New Referee on the town -- need advice

[Mregor]

Originally Posted by Smitty

That's a load of BS. All new officials have trouble letting go of watching the ball. It's something that takes time and discipline to overcome. As a new official it has nothing to do with trusting your partner.

You beat me to it!

[Newbie-ref]

Avoid watching the ball is most difficult especially for the new referees like myself. During my examination, I missed about 2 calls away from the ball because I looked at the ball instead of the players. One of them was a push/block. Evaluator does not like what I did, just hey, I'm still learning.

[Rob1968]

One method of overcoming the tendency to watch the ball is to do the following:
When you transition from Trail to Lead, get to the endline quickly. On the way, think of your new PCA, and look towards it. When you get to the endline, turn your body so that your angle is facing your PCA, rather than being square to the court. Indeed, force yourself to face your PCA, and to look there, even though the ball, and most of the action, is not in your PCA.
As you get comfortable with this attitude, or posture, you will find that you can trust your partner, as you will notice his/her calls that you really didn't see. Making a mental note of such calls will re-enforce your desire, and positive result of "working my PCA" and "trusting my partner."

[Newbie-ref]

Originally Posted by Rob1968

One method of overcoming the tendency to watch the ball is to do the following:
When you transition from Trail to Lead, get to the endline quickly. On the way, think of your new PCA, and look towards it. When you get to the endline, turn your body so that your angle is facing your PCA, rather than being square to the court. Indeed, force yourself to face your PCA, and to look there, even though the ball, and most of the action, is not in your PCA.
As you get comfortable with this attitude, or posture, you will find that you can trust your partner, as you will notice his/her calls that you really didn't see. Making a mental note of such calls will re-enforce your desire, and positive result of "working my PCA" and "trusting my partner."

What is an "PCA" ? thanks,
New REf

[APG]

Originally Posted by Newbie-ref

What is an "PCA" ? thanks,
New REf

Primary coverage area

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Newbie-ref

What is an "PCA" ? thanks,
New REf

Primary Coverage Area, also called simply your "Primary"

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Newbie-ref

What is an "PCA" ?