When did you try to move up, JV and Varsity?

[SNIPERBBB]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Rut is correct about older (FR and JV) are more composed but the lower level games can give you great experience in the unexpected.

Everybody developes at their own pace. So just relax and enjoy the walk on the wild side and don't forget to stop and smell the flowers from time to time.

MTD, Sr.

Not in this part of the state lol. Then again our district is fairly loosely controlled compared to others.

The lower level games can keep you well on your toes because everything in the rule book and the case book is entirely possible except for maybe for dunking(then again I have seen an 8th grader dunk before),goaltending and BI. You will also find out how thick your skin is and start learning conflict resolution skills because you are usually dealing with the least experienced coaches,kids and fans.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by SNIPERBBB

Not in this part of the state lol. Then again our district is fairly loosely controlled compared to others.

The lower level games can keep you well on your toes because everything in the rule book and the case book is entirely possible except for maybe for dunking(then again I have seen an 8th grader dunk before),goaltending and BI. You will also find out how thick your skin is and start learning conflict resolution skills because you are usually dealing with the least experienced coaches,kids and fans.

I think you missed the point. The main issue is that working JH is not all of a sudden a training ground to work HS ball at any level. In many cases you might not even be exposed to certain HS rules like BI or GT that you might see at the HS level. For the record I have never seen a JH player consistently be above the rim. I have seen a kid dunk, but not very well or be able to go get balls on or above the rim, nor would I expect to when kids that age are not as under control. The bottom line is work it all and learn from each level until you gain the experience to make that jump.

Peace

[stiffler3492]

I'm entering my third season...haven't yet cracked the varsity ranks. I've got several JV games on my schedule. Those games are a good challenge for me (mainly because in my area, the JV is comprised of the kids who don't play much on the varsity level, and we're using two officials instead of three).

My advice would be, work on perfecting your mechanics, no matter what level of basketball it is. One thing I constantly hear about moving up is that your mechanics will make you stand out. Not just with your switches and things like that, but your signaling too. Make everything crisp.

As others have said, find someone to "latch on to" so to speak. Ask to attend varsity pregames/halftimes, and ask questions at the appropriate moments.

[26 Year Gap]

I worked 4 years of predominantly JV/Freshman games before moving to a Varsity schedule. JH/MS may help some with the rules, but you may end up with partners who have no interest in moving up, so that can have a negative effect on your progress. You do not make the decision to move up to varsity, assignors do. Part of their decision making is based on feedback from known varsity officials who have seen you work. And most of that feedback will be based on varsity guys seeing you work JV games.

[fiasco]

This is my fifth year of a full schedule of school ball. Before that, I had two years of rec league/church ball. This will be the first year I get some varsity games, more than likely not a full schedule of varsity, though.

The reason I started out doing a few years of rec league/church ball is because I was really only blowing the whistle on the weekends. That's back when I lived in the DC area, and it was virtually impossible for me to get out of the city and to a game site in time for tipoff.

I really agree with 26 Year Gap's statement that you might get to work on some of your rules knowledge in JH/MS, but the meat of officiating (managing a game, working with partners, coaches, interaction, weird situations, etc) really happens at the JV level because you start to get better partners who take things more seriously and aren't just there to break a little bit of a sweat and collect a paycheck.

My biggest piece of advice would be to latch onto a veteran in your association and ask him/her to be your mentor. Go to some of his games, hang out in the locker room after and listen to the banter between officials. Go out with them after the game and listen to their war stories. Do this a few times per season, and not only will you learn a lot, you'll get well connected with the other varsity refs, who will feel comfortable recommending you when the commissioner comes calling asking if you are ready for the next level.

[Toren]

I am in a similar situation to you. I too past my certification last year. I actually felt comfortable enough to do some varsity games my first year. Luckily, I had some camps the summer before getting certified and someone turned back some games and I got my shot late notice for some pretty good varsity. I had my first top 10 in the state game last year and it was a two man game. I was sweating a lot during that game

What I would say is don't take anything you don't feel comfortable with, but being that you are certified, give the JV level a shot. You will find that you are probably more ready than you imagine.

About the only thing I'm not really comfortable on and I hope to get more work in this year, is addressing coaches. Last year, I did a lot of nodding, not many words came out though.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your season.

[tomegun]

The only correct answer to this question is it depends. When it is your time to move up, you will move up. Until then, just work hard.