Refs and coach/AD

[APG]

Originally Posted by The_Rookie

As a newbie, my instructors are hammering home to establish excellent mechanics including use of proper signals. While other officials notice this, I would think that coaches and ADs are more focused on getting the calls right then on signals.

Vets, is this true?

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.

[Adam]

I agree with APG. The better your mechanics and positioning, the more likely you are to get the benefit of the doubt on close calls.

Show up in gray tennis shoes, white socks, and almost black dress slacks (brown belt) sometime and see how many calls get questioned as opposed to when you're in the proper uniform.

[Eastshire]

The better your mechanics, the more likely you are to get the call right in the first place. If you could call the game from anywhere, we wouldn't be on the court in the first place.

The only thing a coach likes less than a bad call is not knowing what you called in the first place. Communication, including signals, is an important part of the job.

What's more, these are both areas that focus and effort bring quick results. You can't rush experience, but mechanics and signaling can be practiced anywhere. This makes it a good investment of time for the new official.

[Multiple Sports]

Originally Posted by AllPurposeGamer

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.

Hey Rook......

Do everything you can to "look the part"!!!!

Then during the summer you can become a "play caller" and a "game manager".


But at this part of your career the confidence that you exude through proper mechanics will call a long way with players coaches and your partners !!!!!!