Working with a Veteran

[jTheUmp]

I'm a second-year basketball guy myself...

Last year, whenever I was working a game with a veteran official, I'd always say something like this to them before the game: "I know you're not going to be looking at me all that much, but if/when you see something I'm not doing right or that I could improve on, please let me know so I can get better". In fact, I plan on using this line again again this year.

I've had a couple of partners who wanted to do the "no switching because I'm lazy" routine, which I normally countered with "Do you mind if we keep up the normal rotation? I still struggle with when to rotate, and that's something I really was hoping to work on today."

You'll also find that you'll quickly figure out which guys have ten years' experience, and which guys have one years' experience ten times. Make sure you take to heart the advice/pointers of the former, and forget/ignore most of the advice of the later.

Another good way to get vets to warm up to you... Ask them for advice about how you should have handled a situation that happened in one of your prior games.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

I've had a couple of partners who wanted to do the "no switching because I'm lazy" routine, which I normally countered with "Do you mind if we keep up the normal rotation? I still struggle with when to rotate, and that's something I really was hoping to work on today."

Good post overall, but please note that switching is different from rotating. We switch when we change position after a foul (in 2-whistle and 3-whistle). We rotate during play in 3-whistle to put 2 officials ballside.

[jTheUmp]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Good post overall, but please note that switching is different from rotating. We switch when we change position after a foul (in 2-whistle and 3-whistle). We rotate during play in 3-whistle to put 2 officials ballside.

I was not aware of that, but I've only worked 2-whistle games (the only 3-whistle around here is in a couple of varsity conferences... most have gone back to 2-whistle to "save money").

Thanks for setting me straight.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Good post overall, but please note that switching is different from rotating. We switch when we change position after a foul (in 2-whistle and 3-whistle). We rotate during play in 3-whistle to put 2 officials ballside.

Switching is dead ball movement.

Rotating is a live ball movement.

Peace

[stripes]

When I work with a rookie, I just want the rookie to do his/her job and not try to "prove" that s/he belongs on the court. Call your area and be a good partner.

[JBleach85]

I remember my first year, as it was a great one. I learned a lot from the individuals I worked with and were great to help me to get where I am at today.

Everyone here has offered some great advice on how to work with a veteran. My advice would be come ready to officiate and learn but also have fun with it. This can be a fun profession if you work with the right people and have fun with it. Always be willing to learn and also never be afraid to ask questions to fellow officials you might get a different response per things, but you take some and you leave some of the advice.

Have a great season!

JB

[bainsey]

A question to the veterans from this intermediate:

You're the lead in a two man crew, working with a rookie. The rook at trail doesn't call a clear backcourt violation. Do you make that call?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bainsey

A question to the veterans from this intermediate:

You're the lead in a two man crew, working with a rookie. The rook at trail doesn't call a clear backcourt violation. Do you make that call?

No.

a. I wouldn't see it.
b. Not my call.
c. What kind of example am I setting if I get that? Somebody will always bail you out? Always watch the ball? I can do this game by myself?

No, we talk about it later to make sure he's got the rule, and if he gets chewed on a little, that will reinforce the lesson.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bainsey

A question to the veterans from this intermediate:

You're the lead in a two man crew, working with a rookie. The rook at trail doesn't call a clear backcourt violation. Do you make that call?

Heckeeeeeeno!!!!!

Sometimes we have to learn rules by our mistakes. And like said before, not sure I would have seen it.

Peace

[rsl]

Originally Posted by bainsey

A question to the veterans from this intermediate:

You're the lead in a two man crew, working with a rookie. The rook at trail doesn't call a clear backcourt violation. Do you make that call?

How about this one I had last year. Working with a rookie in the end of a close game, and the rookie at trail clearly doesn't understand 10 second backcourt and 5 second closely guarded count. The defense is pressing on every possession and the coach has asked for a count. Do you try to cover for the rookie?

Here's what I did. I had already talked to my partner, so I forced a switch to make sure I had the ten second count in back court. There was not much else I could do, and luckily the coach knew I had a rookie and was understanding. It did mean that I had the same end of the floor for the last several minutes of the game.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by bainsey

A question to the veterans from this intermediate:

You're the lead in a two man crew, working with a rookie. The rook at trail doesn't call a clear backcourt violation. Do you make that call?

Only if the ball was thrown from my primary, went clearly out of reach of everyone else, and was clearly recovered in the backcourt by team A.

In fact, I'd even blow that one with any partner.

With the ball coming from my primary, the trail probably has no idea if the throw was tipped or not since they wouldn't be looking there. There are some calls that take more information than your parnter might have.

(Yes, this happened to me once...and I didn't call it and it made us both look bad).