Newbie Ref Seeks Guidance

[Back In The Saddle]

You pose a very good question about a very real problem. As you have realized, half the battle is knowing where to watch and what to watch for. It's something we all have to learn. I spent a few years training volunteer officials for a church league. Teaching them how to deal with clueless, stupid, out of control rough play (i.e., church league basketball) was was a major challenge. I assembled what I think is a useful and detailed document on this topic. You may find it helpful. You can find it here: Controlling Rough Play.

Hopefully it will give you some of the guidance you're looking for. If you have questions about any part of it, or if there are topics you'd like expanded on, bring your questions back here and I'm sure you'll get feedback o'plenty.

[dsqrddgd909]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

You pose a very good question about a very real problem. As you have realized, half the battle is knowing where to watch and what to watch for. It's something we all have to learn. I spent a few years training volunteer officials for a church league. Teaching them how to deal with clueless, stupid, out of control rough play (i.e., church league basketball) was was a major challenge. I assembled what I think is a useful and detailed document on this topic. You may find it helpful. You can find it here: Controlling Rough Play.

Hopefully it will give you some of the guidance you're looking for. If you have questions about any part of it, or if there are topics you'd like expanded on, bring your questions back here and I'm sure you'll get feedback o'plenty.

Where can I buy the book "BITS guide for newbie officials."? Great advice in that document. I just finished a rec league similar to the OP's...I'll keep that document on file for next year.

[Mark Padgett]

And don't ever forget the first rule of officiating.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

And don't ever forget the first rule of officiating.

JshJcbsn: If you believe in all that's good, and pure, and right, in this world, please don't ask.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

JshJcbsn: If you believe in all that's good, and pure, and right, in this world, please don't ask.

You two should go on the road.

No, really.

[KJUmp]

Bits:
Excellent. I know you wrote this for a church league, but needless to say there's a ton of great stuff in there that us newbies can use in our development as HS officials.
You hit on some areas that I'm still struggling to master after my second season....off ball stuff, rebounding, and post play.
Much of what you wrote, the philosophy, the thought process, the rational, has been voiced time and time again by many of the vets regularly post here. For me the document is a great recap of everything I've learned from you guys after hanging around here for the last two years.
I've already printed it to have it ready for next season.

[Rooster]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

JshJcbsn: If you believe in all that's good, and pure, and right, in this world, please don't ask.

Arghhh! The suspense is killing me... Alright, how 'bout some hints.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by The Rooster

Arghhh! The suspense is killing me... Alright, how 'bout some hints.

OK - here's the top ten rules of officiating starting with number 10:

Number 10 - "When you're on the court - always look sharp. That doesn't include the top of your head."

Number 9 - "There's only 2 (sometimes 3) people in the entire gym who don't care who wins - you and your partner(s)."

Number 8 - "Remember - it's just a game. But you get paid anyway. What a deal!"

Number 7 - "Never swallow your whistle - it's there to be blown and besides, it tastes really, really bad."

Number 6 - "Parents know as much about the rules as they do about raising children."

Number 5 - "When in doubt - don't be."

Number 4 - "Always bring your English-Gibberish dictionary to the game so you can understand the coaches."

Number 3 - "Coaches have a shorter leash than a puppy."

Number 2 - "NO OVERTIMES!!!"

and (drum roll please) Number 1 - "Tuck your whistle in your shirt before you take a leak.” This applies to both males and females.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Here's the top ten rules of officiating.

Maybe the moderators will make this a sticky thread?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Number 1 - "Tuck your whistle in your shirt before you take a leak.” This applies to both males and females.

I've always wanted to ask (and yes, I know how this is going to sound) -- how long *is* your lanyard? I mean, I couldn't hit my whistle without some serious effort.

Seriously, though, another rule I saw broken in a state championship game. Blow your whistle before you step into the circle for the jump and leave it out of your mouth. Otherwise, you'll take an elbow someday and the whistle can do damage to teeth, etc.

Also, before the game, at halftime, after the game, either remove the whistle and put it in a pocket or tuck it in the shirt -- you don't want something for an irate moron to grab as you're leaving or entering the court.

[Da Official]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

You pose a very good question about a very real problem. As you have realized, half the battle is knowing where to watch and what to watch for. It's something we all have to learn. I spent a few years training volunteer officials for a church league. Teaching them how to deal with clueless, stupid, out of control rough play (i.e., church league basketball) was was a major challenge. I assembled what I think is a useful and detailed document on this topic. You may find it helpful. You can find it here: Controlling Rough Play.

Hopefully it will give you some of the guidance you're looking for. If you have questions about any part of it, or if there are topics you'd like expanded on, bring your questions back here and I'm sure you'll get feedback o'plenty.

Very good stuff! Thanks!