Lessons in survival

[rockyroad]

Originally posted by LepTalBldgs
I was disappointed (but not surprised) by the level of interaction by the senior members my first year. I think I am an above-average first year official and the only interaction I got was just before, during or after a game. I'm certainly going to stay in our unit, but I would have hoped that one of the board members would have contacted me early in the season outside of normal basketball hours to inquire if I had any questions or issues.

I understand though that people are busy with their lives and that this is just a hobby. So although I never anticipated receiving a call, I would suggest a call about two weeks into the season and then another two weeks prior to the end of the season. The message that should be sent is that this person is valuable.

Wow...I would have to echo Chuck's response. This is pretty unrealistic...I would also add that most "experienced" officials have been burned at one time or another by offering advice to newer officials, and then finding out they didn't want it, or took it the wrong way, etc...if a rookie or newer official comes to me with questions or asks me to observe/evaluate them, I will gladly do that...as a matter of fact, as one of our local rookie trainers, I always give out my phone numbers and e-mail to the rookies and tell them to feel free to contact me with any questions - but they have to contact me first!