Thanks,
Actually I think it is the Mini . It was a fairly small crowd and I thought I was whistling ok . I also was looking to get a whole list of stuff I messed up ,but the whistle was his only complaint !

My first recommendation, spend the extra dollar or two on the classic. Regardless of the gym size, your whistle is important.

While you may have many things to work on, I would suggest one minor thing that has tended to work for many of the new officials -- SLOW DOWN!!! As new officials there are SO many things to think about during the game.

If the first thing you do when you blow the whistle is just pause for a moment, think about what you are going to call, then raise your arm with a hand or fist, then pause again, make the call (and give a preliminary signal, if needed), then pause again, point to the spot/signal number of shots, pause again, then either go to your new position or go to the reporting area in the case of a foul.

If a throw-in situation, check for subs, check with your partner, pause again and then put the ball in play (or watch your area).

If reporting a foul, STOP completely once you have reached the reporting area, pause, make eye contact with the scorekeeper, count the basket (if appropriate), report the fouling team/player, pause, report the infraction, pause, and indicate the number of free throws (or spot). Make sure that the scorer has processed the information. If a throw-in, check for subs (bring them in, if there are), pause, make eye contact with your partner, put the ball in play (or watch your area). If shooting free throws, briskly move to your position, pause, make eye contact with your partner to make sure that you are both ready for play and that he/she is indicating the proper number of free throws.

If you consciously try to go very slowly, you will likely be going at a very good pace. Generally, newer officials are always in a hurry to do everything. By slowing down, you have an opportunity to worry about one thing at a time.

I don't like this advice. I don't think it is necessary.

Many new officials do not work on these things away from the court:

1. Signals - we can all perfect our signals in front of a mirror. Game action will cause them to likely fall below perfection, but they will still be good from practice.
2. Rule knowledge and application
3. Uniform

The whistle and your mechanics are your voice on the court. Speak wisely!

Good points...

Slowing down is going to the top of my list ! I don't know why I feel so rushed and even mentioned it to our trainers/instructors. i guess trying to hustle and not being percieved as lazy makes it worse,leading to screw-ups. :o Off now for another adventure : An 8:00 game and my partner has a 6:30 game thats at least a 35-45 minute ride between the two locations! Guess I'll be standing around looking at the clock and practicing patience !

6:30 plus 1 hour plus 35 minutes? I've got 8:05 at best.

Can You Hear Me Now ???
 

I was using a Fox40 Mini, by choice. Got the same advice from a colleague. I ordered a few Fox40 Classics that night, as soon as I got home.

8:05 would have been nice. partner was a no show. Men's league was fairly well behaved and cooperated for the most part. Opening pep talk was short and sweet . Me : I'm looking for good sportsmanship tonight and no rough play. I'll be calling this game by myself and doing the best I can , now give me two jumpers ! I made it through two 16 minute halves , got in , got done , got out ! The table crew ( 2 ladies that don't need stun guns )at the rec. center were most helpful ,and could almost have done it without me. :) Still trying to find out the first rule of officiating ?

No Need To Share The Answer With Us ...
 

Please do us all a favor and just use the search function on the Forum. Just type in "First Rule of Officiating", and Mark Padgett's username and then you'll have your answer.

Getting the call right AND knowing not what to call comes with experience, not clinics.