Rookie Schedule

[Scuba_ref]

It seems to me that 2-3 weeks between assignments is a long time, even for a rookie. Go to as many games as you can, watch the officials, and ask if you can attend their pre-game, half-time and post-game discussions.

[SWMOzebra]

Originally Posted by Scuba_ref

Go to as many games as you can, watch the officials, and ask if you can attend their pre-game, half-time and post-game discussions.

Sound advice. If you sit in with the crew during their pre-game and half-time discussions, I would suggest listening more and talking less. Save your questions for the post-game pow-wow.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by Scuba_ref

..

I never realized there was competitive scuba diving that required referees!!

[Scuba_ref]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

I never realized there was competitive scuba diving that required referees!!

We are more judges than officials when compared to bball refs. We sit on a panel of three judges and then evaluate the following:

YouTube - Doug & Dax's Underwater Dance Extravaganza

Not the most glamorous position but you do get all the bottled air you want.

[Back In The Saddle]

Have a chat with your assigner. Ask what is realistic for a first year official. Exhibit an attitude of gratitude for the games you are getting, and express your willingness to pick up any turn backs that may come. In my part of the world, a new official will often get most of his or her games that way.

There are things you can do to improve your chances of picking up turn backs. Assigners are just regular people. When a problem arises, they want to solve it quickly and painlessly. Every assigner has a small list of guys who will take assignments on short notice, travel, take care of problem partners, etc.. These are the guys he calls first. You want to be on that list. So...

• Have wide open availability
• Keep your block/availability calendar up to date
• Keep your bag packed and in your vehicle
• Find out how your assigner prefers to be contacted (phone, email, IM, etc.)
• Maintain regular contact. If you know that Tuesdays are his biggest day, then maybe shoot him an email on Monday or call him Tuesday mid-morning, and ask him if he needs any help.

Keep in mind one reason assigners hesitate to assign new officials is they are an unknown quantity. So work every game the best you can. You want word to get back to your assigner that you always work hard, exhibit a professional demeanor, have the stones for the job, can fix problems, work well with partners, are reliable, and most of all...you don't generate negative phone calls.

Good luck!