1 Week to go for debut

[derwil]

First piece of advice is to have fun. If you don't have fun then no other advice will matter much.

Second is to slow down. You'll see a foul and think that everyone needs to know immediately what it was and what's happening next. They don't. If you try to do this immediately, your signal will get lost.

One of my first partners told me that the people in the game and watching the game are doing just that, being involved in the game. If you call something, give them time to divert their attention from the game and onto you prior to making your call. Slow down at the table too. Too fast and they won't understand a word you say.

Your job as a referee is to first judge the game, then communicate your judgement to the players, coaches and fans. If you're too fast, the communication breaks down. Stay smooth and slow down.