Originally Posted by bainsey (Post 692300)

Perhaps, but if you keep it to yourself, I don't learn anything. If you pass along your wisdom, I likely will cease getting it wrong. There's always a chance that I saw something differently than the viewpoint passed to me, but those moments you can take in stride. The thing I've come to learn is that the post-game "good game" or "nice job" comments from your partner are quite meaningless. What they're basically saying is, "we got through that one," but these friendly offerings are no evaluation of your work. Instead, we generally have to wait until the end of the season to get the truth, in the form of our evaluations. This is where you want to yell, "where was this information two months ago?!" You can't take corrective action on information withheld, and that's the most frustrating part of it all.

Originally Posted by BillyMac (Post 692320)

How does that Serenity Prayer go?

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee (Post 692337)

Picture yourself near a stream. Birds are softly chirping in the crisp, cool mountain air. Nothing can bother you here. No one knows this secret place. You are in total seclusion from the place called "the world". The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity. The water is clear.

Originally Posted by bainsey (Post 692300)

The thing I've come to learn is that the post-game "good game" or "nice job" comments from your partner are quite meaningless. What they're basically saying is, "we got through that one," but these friendly offerings are no evaluation of your work.

Originally Posted by mbyron (Post 691482)

If I didn't know the officials, I would introduce myself and start the conversation by asking about their officiating background, how much they have worked, where they took classes, what their goals are, etc.

Work your way around to asking what they saw on the relevant play. Ask what rule they are applying. Ask if you can make a suggestion, and if the answer is yes explain the relevant rule. You have no right to correct them, and should do so only with permission.

In my experience, people are most willing to tolerate correction when they feel that you're on their side and interested in helping them develop, as opposed to just being a jerk, or showing off your rules knowledge, or are otherwise there for your own benefit rather than theirs.

Originally Posted by hoopguy (Post 691465)

When if ever would it be okay to approach a fellow ref and comment on a call or missed call you noticed while watching a game. And this does not include instances of evaluating.

Example 1. Ref does not know the 3 second rule and team A shoots, hits the rim, rebounds and shoots again and ref blows whistle for 3 seconds.

Example 2. Same shooter multiple times. shooter catches ball and takes 'shooters hop' aka travels and then shoots the ball.

When if ever would it be appropriate as a viewer to comment to ref? What if you are in street clothes? What if it is AAU style and you are waiting in stripes to ref a game either to take over or on a nearby court? Curious as to what veterans would do and what others feel is okay.

In the case where veterans/varsity officials are watching jv officials then I would think it SHOULD be brought to their attention. I am speaking of non high school venues.

Thanks