My First Night of Officiating Clinic

[JThompson]

Good morning all.

I have read and read this board for nearly a year now in anxious anticipation of this years Official's Clinic in my town in West Virginia. I played ball in high school, could have played small school college ball but opted not to, but had not been on the court for fourteen years until I coached my two sons last year in a youth league. It was then just how much I realized that I missed being on the court. In anticipation, I have shed 45 pounds this summer, and did my level best to read the rule book and condition myself. I think I am really gonna love it (if I can keep the wife happy during the three and a half months while I officiate)!

One thing to note from last nights session were the Three Unwritten Rules of Officials Security:

1. Never let the fans know you are the official for the nights games before the game.

2. Never let the fans know what kind of car you drive.

3. Never let the fans know where you parked.


I chuckled when I heard this. But I am sure that this is certainly true in many of your experiences.

Sorry to ramble. Just wanted to point out a funny comment in our first class. I appreciate all of the input from this board, and look forward to asking questions and getting answers from the many years of experience here.

John

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by JThompson
I have read and read this board for nearly a year. . . I have shed 45 pounds this summer, and did my level best to read the rule book and condition myself. I think I am really gonna love it (if I can keep the wife happy during the three and a half months while I officiate)!

John, welcome to the board. Good luck to you this season. If nothing else, shedding 45 pounds has probably made you a healthier person. Congratulations, I know how hard it can be to lose extra weight.

I think you'll find that officiating is very challenging, moreso than you would've guessed as a player or coach. But you will probably also love it. Believe it or not, you've already stumbled on some of the most important aspects of officiating. You've been studying the rulebook, you've gotten yourself into decent shape, and you are already aware that family concerns will come into play.

As far as the "parking" concerns, I don't advertise where I've parked at a game site; but I don't worry about it too much. Best of luck to you!

Chuck

[Marty Rogers]

John: You have already shown your committment by getting yourself into good physical shape. 45 pounds is a lot less weight to carry around (your feet and knees will appreciate it). Put as much effort into your clinic, and ref as many games as you can, and you will be well on your way. Take your time. It takes four to five years of experience for most people to feel they really know what they are doing on the court. It hits you one day, "Hey, I really know what I am doing out here." But the learning keeps happening. Your wife will probably be glad you are getting the exercise and enjoying yourself. Best of luck to you.

[John Schaefferkoetter]

Hi John:

I love working with the new kid on the block. Always remember, you are in charge. Not the coach, not the players, you and your partner are. It is great that you are heads up on the rules, but try not to use the rule knowledge to your advantage. In other words, just make the obvious call and try not to make a rare call. It may be in the rule book, but some calls can be avoided.

Make yourself inconspicuous, be friendly, but firm. Keep the feet moving because it is a game of angles. The best officials that I have observed make the calls through angles. That will come with time and practice. In your early career, just get in position and make the obvious call.

Best of luck and TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS! Don't take any B.S.

John

[BktBallRef]

Welcome John! You shoulda spoke up sooner!!

[Dan_ref]

Hey John, welcome! We were all in your shoes at one time or
another and we'll be happy to help however we can. I
wouldn't be too concerned about security but do keep your
antenna up. As a new guy you're most likely to be working
games with little or no security, no chaging room, no
where to "hide" after or between games. You might get
bothered by parents, do yourself a favor and be as brief as
possible when they approach you with "questions". Mostly
they have good intentions but you never know when one might
take a 5th grade rec game a little too seriously. There's
no reason for you to explain, justify or in any way discuss
any call that you or your partner made, especially with
the losing parent or coach after the game. You might want
to do it, it will even seem like the decent thing to do.
It's never a good idea.

Just remember, relax, have fun & slow down!

[mick]

John,
Welcome.
You are on your way.
Keep in mind what your Mom said:

Don't slouch

Don't put your hands in your pockets

Shine your shoes

Wear clean underwear

Be polite.
Good luck and have fun.
mick

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by mick

Don't slouch

Don't put your hands in your pockets

Shine your shoes

Wear clean underwear

Be polite.

Lessons to live by.

BTW, did anybody tell John to slow down?

[LarryS]

Welcome John!

I wouldn't be overly concerned with security. If you get a lower level rivalry game (at least in my area), the school district will probably have security there for the crowds and possible conflicts between the students. If you have a concern after the game, one would probably be willing to walk you to your car. You're a step ahead of me because I still need to drop some weight.

My advice would be to listen to what the experienced officials have to say and put as much of it to use as you can. Read the rule book/case book/mechanics book about 12 times every month, take every game offered that you possibly can (never hurts to help somebody out of a bind) and attend as many clinic\camps as possible. That is what I did...got part of my schedule last night and have 4 varsity games in my second year (not big schools, but certainly more than I expected and a lot sooner).

Oh, and have fun!

[JThompson]

Thanks guys for the kind words and wisdom.

Hey LarryS, that's pretty good to get varsity games in your second year.

Here in West Virginia you can't do a varsity girls/boys game until your third season.

I am pumped to do this, but want to also smooth out the home life and work demands with it. I'm sure it is a daunting task, but I am up for the challenge!

Thanks again to all of you guys.

And I will do my best to 'slow down and have fun' (isn't the fun part what it is all about)!

John

[mick]

Originally posted by JThompson
...I am pumped to do this, but want to also smooth out the home life and work demands with it....

And I will do my best to 'slow down and have fun' (isn't the fun part what it is all about)!

Yeah, John. You do that.
T'ain't about the money ... that you split with your wife.
mick

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by mick

Yeah, John. You do that.
T'ain't about the money ... that you split with your wife.
mick

Sorry, did you say split with or give to?

[theboys]

Hey, John.

We had to remove an AAU coach last spring after he threw a bottle at a referee as the referee left the site in his car. Sad, but true.

[JThompson]

Originally posted by theboys
Hey, John.

We had to remove an AAU coach last spring after he threw a bottle at a referee as the referee left the site in his car. Sad, but true.

Gives new meaning to the word "game", huh.

No matter where you are or what you do, some people just have to make total a**es of themselves.

I have been told that if you take the parent's out of youth sports, it suddenly becomes a wonderful thing.

John

[bossref]

John

Listen to what the "vets" are trying to tell
you and filter out what doesn't pertain.
Try to find a mentor who will take you under their wing.

I teach recruits year round in San Diego.
There is so so much to learn. Here's a few things:

Think of players and coaches as customers.
Give them an honest effort.
Always try to get the best angle by moving.
Protect the shooter.
Don't guess.
Don't call what you can't explain.
Blow a loud whistle and signal sharply.
Be on top of the action when the game is on the line.
Be confident not cocky.
Have fun and enjoy the experience.

Good luck,
Barry Alman
Best Of Sandiego Sports
http://www.sdboss.com