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

I believe I do. I have a couple of D-I experiences, in scrimmages, with the Atlantic Sun conference, so I believe I have a shot. I have officiated HS for 2 years and my mentors are pushing me to attend Forte's camp, and with accepting/respecting their guidance, I am attending.

However, I'm not over-expecting anything. Just attending would be great and learning anything I could.

In the case of the Carolina's Conference, a young, athletic, good-looking official does have a chance of getting picked up without much experience. But, if on first impression Joe Forte isn't really impressed, there also the possibility of wasting your $$$ to fill slots at a subsequent camp. You really need to get a feel of where you stand after the initial camp before committing to any of his subsequent camps.

Another camp to consider for someone in North Carolina is the D3 Super Camp at the University of Richmond June 23rd-26th. A good number of officials who get picked in the 2 conferences running that camp end up on Joe Forte's staff. Nolan Fine, one of Joe Forte's top obsevers, attends the D3 Super Camp every year.

Thanks, I'll look into that camp also. Do you have any knowledge on any of Jim Burch's camps for the SAC-8 or CIAA? I heard he isn't as intense as Forte, but he does give only a limited # of chances to make his conferences.

You only get to attend his camp twice and to get invited a second time you need a "co-signor". Mr. Burch and Mr. Forte are very tight. Joe shows up on the last night of the Mr. Burch's camp.

One thing to know about Mr. Burch, more than any other supervisor I've heard of, he will pick up an official sight unseen if the right people put that person's name in his ear. So my personal advice is too wait a while to a get a name for yourself and build up a resume'. You might get in without ever having to go to camp or if you do end up going to his camp it's better to have a strong resume' to go along with what you do in camp.

What part of NC are you in?

Southern

Get on Jamie Luckie's good side.

I have heard Mr. Luckie's name thrown around, not really in our area as much, but especially in the Upstate of South Carolina. Is he an assignor?

No, he's just a very trusted pair of eyes for both Mr. Burch and Joe Forte as well as Bill Freeman who assigns HS ball in the Charlotte area.

And when it comes to evaluating in a camp setting he is one of the more serious folks you'll come across.

I'll keep his name in mind. Since you have been giving me information that is much appreciated and is helping me get a grasp on the different conferences in the area. Do you know anything about the JUCO conferences and how to get involved with them? I believe Region 10 is them area I am in (though your in VA), but I have yet to get any information from them about officiating.

I believe Rick Ridenhour (works in the Southern and Big South) is a JuCo assignor in North Carolina. Don't have any contact info for him though.