The Road to Become a College Official

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by CDurham

The "road" to becoming a college basketball official at any level.

I'm not an NCAA official, nor do I play one on television, but several of my high school colleagues are. Easy answer. Get a mentor, someone in your local area who works college games. Also three words: camps, camps, and camps.

[CDurham]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I'm not an NCAA official, nor do I play one on television, but several of my high school colleagues are. Easy answer. Get a mentor, someone in your local area who works college games. Also three words: camps, camps, and camps.

Thanks for your reply Billy

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Also three words: camps, camps, and camps.

Additionally, I would add: work hard, work harder, study, study, study.

[Judtech]

Having stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last nite:
1. Determine whether you want to work in the NCAA Mens or Women's side. This must be determined early beacuse if you start with one and don't make it, 'the power's that be' will think they are 2nd place, and they dont like that.
2. Your appearance is HUGE. If you are a little overweight, have tatoos, wear glasses whatever, it is a negative. You can have the best judgement, have the rule book memorized and NEVER be out of position, but if you don't have the 'look' you don't have a chance
3. It has been said before but CAMPS CAMPS CAMPS. Most assignors at the college level have their own camps. SOP is that if you want in their league you HAVE to go to THEIR camp. It is sort of like a union card, you give them money, and if you do well enough, they give you games. Don't be suprised if this takes more then a year or two.
4. Be patient and HAVE FUN!!

[JBleach85]

Everyone here makes excellent points. Camps, camps, camps are the key. Work you butt off during that time you are there. Also, make sure you have a mentor, having more than one is a great thing to have. Surrounding yourself with individuals who work college basketball and pick their brains. Never be afraid of feedback that is the biggest thing especially at camp. Assignors don't like people who cocky and think they know everything. Normally the individuals who are evaluating you at camp are going to be your peers in the association so if you get a chance on an off game try to pick their brains if they are not busy.

Other thing make sure you always look the part not just in camp but also at your other games at well. You never know who is watching. Also, make sure you stick one side either mens or womens. Pick a side that works best with you and feels right because jumping ship after failing on one side looks bad.

Most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself. It takes a couple of years to go there and when you get there you are still working hard up the ladder, but it is worth it to see the way those games are played!

Peace,
JB

[Larks]

Originally Posted by Judtech

2. Your appearance is HUGE. If you are a little overweight, have tatoos, wear glasses whatever, it is a negative. You can have the best judgement, have the rule book memorized and NEVER be out of position, but if you don't have the 'look' you don't have a chance

This has never been more true. If you aren't in very good shape, don't waste money and time at camp because you will be scratched before you blow a whistle. Thats just how it is in the 2010s

[Larks]

Originally Posted by Larks

This has never been more true. If you aren't in very good shape, don't waste money and time at camp because you will be scratched before you blow a whistle. Thats just how it is in the 2010s

Adding to this....the bottom line is when you go to camp, as Rut said, you are there with people that can ref, in some cases, very well. So, the folks that hire look to eliminate people from their radar and focus on that one or two guys that for whatever reason....have the look or the right geography, court presence and / or / stones....or the right people speaking for them. And dont forget these guys are hiring for 1 - 4 spots on staff....and unfortunately many of these camps have 75 guys showing up.

Also remember, you are going against some guys already on staff that are either 2nd year or guys who had a bad year and it was suggested they come. Rut and I both have been to D1 camps where we are reffing with guys in multiple D1 leagues already and are their to get into a new league. In a way, this is good news because all you have to do now is take care of you and don't screw up. Then hope the players bring you a scenario that allows you to stand out.

Now the silver lining: Camps pay off in the long run if you want to be a better ref. You are working on your craft in the summer which puts you in the top 10% of your peers most likely.

My advice: Like previously stated....Find that local guy already working college. He knows which direction to point you. Look for a D3, or an NAIA, or JUCO league to go try out for. The camps are ran in the summer so the time for you to focus on finding the path is in March / April. Around then is when the camps are announced and the generally run May - June.

Some other options:

There are a few training camps out there. JC Caldwell's in Daytona Florida. Start Develop and Finish in Cincinnati are a couple. There, you can get your feet under you, learn or refresh 3-man and get exposed to people that are already "in" in some capacity.

And like I said....go in with an athletic look.