I am looking for some help on becoming an official. I know how to become an official for my respective state (Wisconsin), but is that all there is out there? The game of basketball is a game that I really enjoy and have officiated some junior high tournaments and looking into doing more serious games. I am young and athletic with a good sense for the game. If anyone can help me please post a response here or e-mail me! ([email protected])

Check the post on this discussion board entitled "Getting started and need some info." You might find some info. there. Good luck!

Ha! Ha! Ha! You guys are a riot! Thanks for a good laugh!

First, get yourself a Bobby Knight dartboard.

Second, purchase a referee starter kit (earplugs and Valium).

Third, make an audio tape of 500 people yelling at the top of their lungs such clever phrases as "YOU SUCK REF", "THAT'S A REACH", "OVER THE BACK", "IF YOU HAD ONE MORE EYE YOU'D BE A CYCLOPS", "HOW MUCH IS THE HOME TEAM PAYING YOU", "GETTIMOFFIM", "HE'S ALLOVERIM", "THAT'S THE WORST CALL IN HISTORY", "HOW COULD YOU SEE THAT FROM THERE", "THAT'S NOT YOUR CALL" and "DID YOU PARENTS HAVE ANY CHILDREN THAT LIVED". Then lock yourself in a closet for two hours and play the tape at full volume.

If you still want to be a ref, repeat step three.

If you don't have the brains and guts to learn the rules and make the tough calls, become a coach.

Mark-you forgot my two favorites...Three Seconds or Don't you know how to count to three ref.

How about the all time classic: "You need glasses ref!" Or the mom who says "Three seconds, give me a break," turns to her husband and asks, "what's a 3 second violation?"

Officiation school is available -
http://www.toliverbasketball.com

When the coach yells "That's the worst call I've ever seen", I just tell em "Watch the Next One!"

My personal favorite (always yelled late in the game): "Hey ref, you must be pregnant - you missed three periods!"

Don't forget: Hey ref - you're missing a good game. The reply, Yea but I was assigned this one!!!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Geneva">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by bsilliman:
When the coach yells "That's the worst call I've ever seen", I just tell em "Watch the Next One!"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Is this why officials need to be escorted to their cars?