Officiating Game where One Team is Deaf

[VaTerp]

The info shared was definitely helpful. They did not have any interpreters and the coaching staff and just about all of the players used sign language exclusively. One injured player was able to verbally communicate better than most and gave us the sign for white and blue (jersey colors) as did some others. And the JV officials who worked the game before ours gave some insight as well.

I didn't really enjoy the game but it had very little to do with one team being deaf. It was pretty standard bad girls basketball. Our area, like most I imagine, has some really good girls teams and some awful ones. Neither of these teams was very skilled and the game was not really competitive. Also, as much as I tried to be myself, part of me felt like I was overcompensating and bordered on being condescending. Not to mention I'm battling the flu which didn't help matters either.

Overall, it was a good experience just not a good game based soley on the basketball. And definitely will feel more comfortable next time I have to do a game involving deaf or hearing impaired players in the future.