Whew!

Got through my sixth and seventh games of the season (my first). I have been working with the instructors of my certification class, who have taken me along as JV officials to work the games prior to their Varsity contests.

Well, tonight I had to work with another first year official because everybody else had to take the Part II test, so no other officials were available to do a Middle School A & B contest at a local gym. I knew going in that it was going to be pretty intense between the two schools.

It turned out to be ugly.

Now I myself am new, but I have worked several scrimmages so far, so I have been able to work out a few kinks (not that I don't have MANY more to shake loose) and get to know what proper calls look like and begin to understand proper mechanics.

This guy has only worked one scrimmage, and from what I hear, it didn't go well.

He couldn't put the proper amount of air into the whistle several times tonight, and really just looked confused on the court. The visiting team coach really ate him alive tonight. I could only try to do my game and keep him out of the line of fire as much as I possibly could. Many could tell that he was a first year official, and took advantage of that.

Now that being said, as I said earlier, I am first year also. But, I have had the opportunity to work scrimmages with many other officials and learn from them. I felt like I had to take charge tonight and not let the game get totally out of hand.

The score - Home 54, Visitor 18.

Total fouls - Home 14, Visitor 16.

The visiting team just could not keep up with the Home team full court pressure. Visiting coach wanted to complain about every call, and that got his fans started. We got through the game, and as we were running off of the court to our locker room, after doing the best job I could to hold this thing together, I had a visiting mother yell at me "You better run, you worthless piece of sh!t".

All in all though, I feel I did the best job I could under the tough circumstances.

Guess it only gets better, huh (or worse!).

John

You'll see worse...but you'll see many more that are a lot better. That's what keeps me coming back for more!

I've been in your shoes, I've been in your partner's shoes.
As for the coach, **** him, if "a vet" would have been there he would have eaten the coach alive. If you and your partner stick around long enough you'll get there too.

For those who stay in it gets better. For the rest it gets worse and they get out.

[Edited by Dan_ref on Dec 9th, 2002 at 10:55 PM]

Did you say, "Do you kiss your kids with that mouth?"

I don't think I have seen it that bad. Being called names, Being threatend, it is all part of being an official. At college games, there is sometimes a police escort where they know the rivalry will be intense. As you build confidence and as you get to work with partners that have and exude, confidence, you will see the game go a lot better. When I was in college, I worked a summer job as a carpenter's assistant. I developed a definition of a professional that summer that said. "Anyone who can make my mistakes look like I did it right the first time." You will in time develope that skill in working with partner's like this.

Remember that with every call you are only pleasing half of the crowd. The other half hates the call. When there are people out there that only remember the bad, you will be remembered as a bad official. Don't let it get to you. Make sure you are bad both ways.:-)

I think Middle School/Jr High is a terrible place to put a brand new official, even one with a few scrimmages under his belt. Assignors just don't get it, but these games are competitive, intense, serious (to kids and coaches), and downright nasty sometimes. They usually have big crowds with many students and parents present, like a "varsity" game. At least one official should have four or more years of experience due to game management issues, IMO. Freshman/JV games in the afternoon, with less tension and fewer viewers, are a much better starting place.

I agree Marty, Middle Schools games can be brutal for an inexperienced official. JV girls or 9th grade boys are probably the best place to start.

I love Middle School games now because after 1-2 minutes, both coaches realize that we are Varsity level officials who happen to be doing their game and they usually will say very little. If they do, all it takes is one "experienced response" and you won't hear a peep from them again.

Good Luck!

Sometimes, those "experienced responses" include a whistle and a T.

And for the fans, I've even dropped a "may God bless you, too" after some really derogatory comment after a game. Usually shuts them up long enough to leave the gym.

http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk...e/AZZANGEL.gif

At all HS varsity games in my area we have police at the games. I think it is a good policy. Just seeing the guy in the uniform can stop a lot of problems. That being said, there should be police at all of the games--all of us need protection from time to time. ;)

We all need to start somewhere
 

JTHOMPSON

What an experience!!! This was a game you will not soon (if ever) forget. Middle school games ARE some of the toughest courts to officiate; mostly because just about everyone is a "rookie". The majority of the players are in their first season, the coaches are usually new and doing what they saw other coaches do (Fortunately I have not witnessed a chair-tosser yet...), and even the parents are often "first-timers."

Speaking of parents, they are at these games because their kid is not yet able to drive. Some parents are trying to relive their "glory days" vicariously through their offspring. And the rules of the game are just as misunderstood now as 20 years ago when they rode the bench. :D Additionally, some parents are going to blame you for their child's inability (lack of coordination) and YOU are the fault that "johnny" is not getting that college scholarship.:D

It is ideal to have a veteran official on the court, but that is often not the case. You will suffer growing pains all throughout this season, the best thing you can do is find a strong, approachable, and accessible mentor to help you process what is going well and what needs work.

Best wishes for a successful season!

I really like...
 

...the "And May God Bless You Too" comment. I'll use that next time!

At this point, I am really enjoying my on-court experience, even though it is 'rough' at times. I am sure it gets better with time and experience.

One thing I am trying to get a handle of, though, is when is it appropriate to "T" a coach. The games I have worked so far, coaches knew that I was 'inexperienced' due to the fact that they had not seen me before. They tried to work me, but I politely would show them the stop sign and say 'we've got it under control'.

A couple of people have told me that if a coach starts a sentence with 'you', they are begging for a "T". I just want to find that line that coaches cannot cross, which again, will come with time and experience.

Thanks to everyone for your comments and experience.

John

Re: I really like...
 

T him up just after the opening jump :D

Seriously, "the line" is something you will need to determine. I think most people that T for using the word "you" do so becuase it is impossible for a coach not to make his criticism personal in those instances.

For me, where my line is depends on the situation and what is being said. If Coach Joe has watching his team get there clocks cleaned and none of his players are listening to his instructions I know he is getting frustrated and may not choose his words properly...I try to cut him some slack. If I have had a really bad day, I try to let things go in an attempt not to take may bad mood out on the coach. If I have been trying to use my breif comments on him and he gets really load, he may get a T for saying something others would let go.

I had a vetern official tell me he uses the definition of porn a Supreme Court Justice gave as to what constitutes a T..."I can't decribe it, but I will know it when I see it".

By the way, I think you will have more "better" games as you gain experience...simply because you will have been there, done that and know how to handle the situation.

I know the Denver Public Schools always have police to escort the officals. In Texas, I have seen police at games but it is not always a policy. I work a lot of small town games now and the police are usually there for the varsity game but not always there when the JV game is being played. A lot depends on the history of the school, students etc. In Colorado Springs, the police was not always at the game but I saw some game managers that could handle any situation and usually did.

I believe that was Justice Potter Stewart's definition of obscenity.