Camps, What to Expect
 

What is the atmosphere like during camps? I have my first one coming up with Joe Forte and the Bob Gibbons Tournament and do not know what to expect. Has anyone attended this particular camp before?

Thanks!

I went to Joe's camp one year. IMO, the feedback was not as helpful as most other camps I've been to. I ended up doing late games with nobody even observing. I honestly don't remember anything about the classroom stuff. It was probably pretty good, because Joe is really good with that stuff; but I honestly can't tell you anything about it.

The guys attending seemed like good guys for the most part. Not too much ego on the floor. The best part of the camp for me was working in Cameron at Duke.

It also was good because it clarified for me that I was not going to pursue a roster spot in the Big South. Joe wanted campers from that camp to attend a second camp to make the roster. Then everybody on staff would have to report to a full camp at the start of the season (which would double as the staff pre-season clinic). It was unrealistic for me, personally, to attend 3 camps in one season in order to get a schedule of 2 or 3 games.

Coach K'Ville?
 

Concur. A very cool arena!

Hansbrough Indoor Stadium! :D

Unless Joe or one of his evaluators likes you on first impression you probably won't get much individual attention.

And as Scrappy said, if you are liked you will be asked attend at least 1 more and likely 2 more camps.

But Joe will pick up an inexperienced ref if he likes how he looks.

Are you looking to get picked up or are you jsut looking to get better?

I would like to get picked up for his Conference Carolina's, DII conference. But also to get better. A mentor of mine said Forte loves young officials who don't have any ties to other conferences that could conflict with his. And because he can mold these young officials into what type of an official he wants them to be. So I thought I would give it a shot.

You heard correctly.

You seem to know a lot. Have you attended his camp before?

Joe has multiple camps. I have attended one of his before. He wasn't around much. I have many good friends who do or have worked for him.

Okay. I've heard the same thing, but always through other people. I have never attended his camps though

Subjective!
 

THAT is a matter of opinion!! ;)

Do you think that you have a legitimate shot to get in the Carolina Conference? Are you working some form of DIII / Juco ball right now?

If someone had to have two camps in the summer to pick you up, then what are his motives. You better hope you get games on the "main court".


Also this is philisophical only, you may be percieved as an "NBA guy" and it may hurt you if you are trying to get in leagues that are run by ex "college officials"...........

Otherwise I agree with everything I read on this post..........

Go referee your butt off and the let the chips fall where they may...that is all you can do.

No matter what camp you choose, that is really the best and only advice anyone should care about.

Peace