Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle (Post 706081)

Not that I advocate ever getting the call wrong, but much of the time you're more believable if you come out with a good, strong wrong call than a weak, unconvincing right call.

Originally Posted by Scrapper1 (Post 706083)

I worked a college came last night, and had a play "blow up" on me. Long story short, I was C in transition when the ball was deflected several times and went out of bounds. I was too close to the play, but my judgment was red ball. Well, the crowd behind me went nuts. I looked across the court to my Trail, hoping that he had a look and would come rescue me, but he didn't.

In the locker room after the half, I asked my partners about it and the Trail said it was definitely red. Other partner (VERY well-established official) said that's one where -- especially since I wasn't 100% on it -- it could have used a little "sell" and maybe diffused the reaction.

Originally Posted by Scrapper1 (Post 706083)

I worked a college came last night, and had a play "blow up" on me. Long story short, I was C in transition when the ball was deflected several times and went out of bounds. I was too close to the play, but my judgment was red ball. Well, the crowd behind me went nuts. I looked across the court to my Trail, hoping that he had a look and would come rescue me, but he didn't.

In the locker room after the half, I asked my partners about it and the Trail said it was definitely red. Other partner (VERY well-established official) said that's one where -- especially since I wasn't 100% on it -- it could have used a little "sell" and maybe diffused the reaction.

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef (Post 706084)

So you got the call right? And you mention nothing about the other coach reacting to your call. So I don't see the need to have to have sold anything.

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef (Post 705961)

Is there any reason you think the 2 concepts are mutually exclusive?

But it is a lot easier and controllable to perfect your mechanics than it is your play-calling. One thing that holds rookies back in their first year is that they spend so much time thinking about their mechanics that they lose focus on play-calling. They screw up basic mechanics and start getting nervous and flustered and forget all about game.

Work on your mechanics off the court so that you are confident with them when you get on the court and it will free your mind up to start looking at the plays correctly. And if your mechanics are decent from the get-go then your observers/evaluators/mentors can concentrate more on your play-calling abilities instead of having to nit-pick you with mechanical stuff.

Originally Posted by AllPurposeGamer (Post 705948)

Yes, coaches/ADs are more concerned about getting the calls correct, but don't underestimate the importance of good mechanics and proper signals. Part of our job as officials is being a salesmen. If you're in the proper spot to call plays and look confident with good, crisp signals, that goes a long way towards a coach believing your call and off your back.

I'd say the easiest thing for young officials to perfect is mechanics (specifically good signals). That just comes from time in front of the mirror practicing. That can be worked on from day one. Play calling is something that comes with time, so invariably, you'll have struggles with that.

Originally Posted by Upward ref (Post 706150)

Most of the experienced guys/gals say to concentrate on one thing each game to improve on. I need a lot of work in all areas so I'm really not trying to follow that advice (yet) . seems like there's a million things to get down pat

Originally Posted by Scrapper1 (Post 706129)

For the exact reason that BITS mentioned. A borderline call can seem like a good call with a little sell behind it.

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle (Post 706081)

You're more believable if you come out with a good, strong wrong call than a weak, unconvincing right call.

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef (Post 706202)

I was assuming you had a strong whistle and mechanic on the play. ;)

Originally Posted by Scrapper1 (Post 706261)

I had my "normal" whistle and mechanic, which is pretty textbook; without much flair to it.

Originally Posted by Scrapper1 (Post 706261)

I had my "normal" whistle and mechanic, which is pretty textbook; without much flair to it.

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee (Post 706278)

Showing quiet confidence can be the best "sell" of all.

Originally Posted by BillyMac (Post 706260)

Agree. We used to have a great interpreter who used to always say, "If you're going to make a bad call, make it a really strong, bad call".

Originally Posted by bob jenkins (Post 706200)

If you try to do the "million things", you'll end up doing none of them.

Pick at most 2 or 3 things to work on. When you get one of them down, pick something else.

Originally Posted by Upward ref (Post 706391)

I think you're right . I'm going to try and concentrate on :
1) Strong whistle ( an experienced ref said he couldn't hear my whistle all the time. I solicited his opinion after my third game )
2)" crisp " signals
3) proper reporting