I'm off tonight -- I'd work middle school or JV or FR tonight if there was a game close to home needing an official.

I'm not a huge fan of working lower level games except in emergencies. There's a lot of new, learning officials that need the work and I don't need to be competing with them for games. When an assigner is in a bind, of course, is another story altogether.

From that perspective I will agree with you. Maybe it doesn't gain me much - it probably has become more of my byline than anything. I might try NOT saying ti tonight and see what happens - they may give me a odd look :)

You do; however, bring up a good point - I would not suggest a rookie official use this line. I would suggest they keep it very simple - an introduction, ensure players are legal and wish them the best and let it go at that.

I think one fo the most important things an official can do to be a good offical (besides knowing the game backwards and forwards) is to be approachable by a coach. I learned early on NOT to ignore coach's questions - at least acknowledge you heard them even if you don't agree. Of course if they continually are harping, let them knwo you hear them by giving them a warning :D

I agree but I also see it as an opportunity to help mentor a new official so he/she can move up the ladder. I was fortunate to work with good seasoned officials when I was starting and was glad they were willing to work lower level games with a rookie that barely knew how to blow a whistle :)

I'll agree with that. That's why every Sat I do four U13 Rec games usually with four different partenrs each week. Hopefully, I'm looked at like that.

I remember my first game when my partner asked me why I keep Ting up the coach when all he wants is a time out? Hey, what'd I know? :o

Had a Varsity girls/boys Saturday night and I didn't do my usual spill in the coach's meeting - just said "let's play a good clean game and have fun". Both coaches know me well and one said (laughing) "since you didn't give your usual words, does that mean I can question all your calls tonight?". We smiled and that was it. Had a great game although we had to start the game with a T because a player was left off the roster :rolleyes:

You're the U13? Court must be crowded.:D

But Ireland Does ...
 

We don't even have a U2 here in the Consitution State.

I'm guessing you meant 'spiel'? Or do you have a pre-game drinking problem? :D

Well, he gets a DOG warning if it's a spill.

Yes that is what I meant - but there are times I need a drink after a game :D

Now Coach, Who Would Spill Water On Purpose ???
 

Had my very first one last week. After I reported the DOG warning, and told the coach, he said, "But it was an accident".

[QUOTE=stripes;722256]Worked a crosstown rivalry game with my older brother (my all time favorite partner) and an up and coming official last night. Gym was packed (about 2000 people) and LOUD all night. Visitor started out on 11-1 run to open game and home clawed back all night beofre taking their first lead in the 4th quarter and pulling out a win. Coaches coached, players played and we stayed out of the way. Soooo much fun.

I want to reff where you do! Glad you had a great time! Its those games that remind me of why I reff. This last weekend was GI, GD, GO!!

Robby's words look like preventive officiating to me. What pitfalls do you mean, Rich?

I mean that if I'm the coach and the first words by an official to me are about questioning calls, I'm thinking that there'll be a need for me to question a lot of calls. To me, it's starting off on the wrong foot with a coach. I'd rather smile, shake his hand, and wish him and his team well and nothing more. At the varsity level, he should know by now how to talk to an official.

+1

It's certainly not the right thing to mention first -- first impressions and all -- but I see nothing wrong with a casual mention of what's expected from questioning. I have something similar at the end of my meeting, which Snaqs has embellished and immortalized in his sig. It works for me, too.

By the way, Robby, don't y'all pronounce spiel "spill" down there, anyway?