Refs and coach/AD

[Upward ref]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Regarding #1, are you using a Fox40 Classic? I was given the same feedback after my first varsity game, along with the question, "Are you using a mini?" I hadn't even realized I'd purchased a Fox40 Mini. Made a huge difference.

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 !

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Upward ref

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.

[CMHCoachNRef]

Originally Posted by Upward ref

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 ,and thats just 2 man mechanics ! My partner for my first 3 games kept saying to just get comfortable with myself and have confidence. That and asking if I was going to get in the game any time soon !

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.

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by referee99

...is if I'm Trail I'm comin' in with loud verbal support at a minimum. "Great call!"

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

[refnrev]

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

[CMHCoachNRef]

Originally Posted by tomegun

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

Good points...

[Upward ref]

Originally Posted by CMHCoachNRef

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.

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. 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 !

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Upward ref

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. 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.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Are you using a Fox40 Classic? I was given the same feedback after my first varsity game, along with the question, "Are you using a mini?" I hadn't even realized I'd purchased a Fox40 Mini. Made a huge difference.

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.

[Upward ref]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

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

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 ?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Upward ref

Still trying to find out the first rule of officiating ?

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.

[BktBallRef]

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?

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