Getting started this year... sort of

[TussAgee11]

Hey ya'll.

Been officiating basketball for several years now at a fairly competitive level. I'm probably going to get on a board this fall (never been home while the classes were being held, just graduated from college).

I have a fairly good understanding of rules that come up over the course of a game, but admittedly probably do not know the rules you may see once or twice a year. That would be step number one for me this season.

Its hard to say obviously without seeing me work, so I'll pose a question that circumnavigates what I'm actually looking for, and maybe someone will hit it

What advice would you give to a guy who has some experience and is looking to formalize it a bit more? What are some common things that first-third year officials mess up or have a hard time understanding? What are some things that would surprise me the most about working JV games?

I've done baseball now for 5 years, so I've gotten to know how nuts things can get in a heart beat. Looking for basketball specific stuff, including game management that may be a bit different than how baseball is handled.

Thanks! Will take any advice I can get.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Hey ya'll.

Let me get this straight. You're from Connecticut and you say "ya'll"!?!?!?!

If you're looking for advice, start there.

[TussAgee11]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Let me get this straight. You're from Connecticut and you say "ya'll"!?!?!?!

If you're looking for advice, start there.

Mom is from NC, I went to school in Elon, NC. The other tell tale sign is my constant use of "big ole'" as in "that's a big ole' wreck in turn 3".

[bradfordwilkins]

I was in a very similar boat to you less than a year ago. I had worked intramural and recreation leagues for about 5 years and recently moved to NYC.

I was finding doors shut and difficult to find learning opportunities.

The first thing that really shifted my entire perspective on officiating - like you I was confident I thought I had a pretty good grasp on most things (WRONG I was haha)... was joining Ed Rush's Court Club. I probably sound like an informercial right now haha but seriously I have learned Sooooooo much from the program and the monthly calls (We just received 70 plays on video with detailed explanations of things to look for as a bonus... someone can say the words start-develop-finish to me till they're blue in the face, you show it to me once or twice and it means so much more).

Go to this website to sign up - Learn to Become A Top Level Referee

Its an investment but the thing I liked was it was billed in installments of like $98/month for 4 months. Honestly thats like 2 rec games a month so I look at it as reinvesting my money earned to push me to the next level.

I seriously love it -- but also I think I get a free CD if I refer people so mention my name haha. If you have any questions private message me.

Also, where in conneticut are you from? I have a friend about our age (assume you're early/mid 20's) that is making some nice moves in that area that I could connect you with... private message me for his info and if you have any questions about Ed Rush's Court Club

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by bradfordwilkins

I have a friend about our age (assume you're early/mid 20's) that is making some nice moves in that area that I could connect you with.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.