Trouble with C

[mbyron]

Being recently on the other side of this particular hump, I can tell you that it does get better. I think your connection with 2-whistle officiating is on the mark: as you developed your skills, you were used to certain looks at L and at T. You still get those looks in 3-whistle from those positions, but now you have new looks from C.

I think it takes time -- a couple of seasons. As for what you can do, go to your fundamentals: referee the defense, move to improve, see the whole play. Part of the issue is confidence, and the best way to improve your confidence is to do it the right way. Stop thinking "uh oh, I have to rotate into C now!" and start watching your off-ball matchups. If you can officiate from T and L, you can do it from C. You'll be there before you know it.

[billyu2]

Well-said MBYRON. Rufus, initially it's possible newer officials to 3 person tend to "let down" a little when in the center position since it's most likely the ball and most of the players are away from your PCA. Actually, this is the time when the center needs to have a more aggressive mind set ( "strong C" terminology). Action from the Lead or Trail's primary quite often will be coming toward you and although may not quite reach your distinct coverage area, the Lead and Trail are depending on the C to be ready to make calls that they no longer have the best angle to see to make an intelligent call. Think of yourself as the center fielder. You have a bigger coverage area to help your partners and must be more aggressive in order to take care of it. The difficulty is you must still allow your partners to have the first shot at a call to avoid too many double whistles; but if they don't get it, be ready to pounce.

[JRutledge]

It sounds to me like you are simply thinking and stopped officiating. You are more worried about where you are rather than just calling what you see. I also do not think there is any problem with double whistles, but when you are the C and the ball is going to the lane, you just want to be careful that you do not signal to quickly as your partners will likely have a call as well.

Peace

[Danvrapp]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

It sounds to me like you are simply thinking and stopped officiating.

What he said.

You'll have that time after a few years where you no longer have to think about things like mechanics and positioning, primary area(s) of coverage, and double whistles. From a previous post above, you mention you have good 2-man mechanics, and I'll guess you don't think about mechanics and coverage areas, you just officiate when working a 2-person game.

Eventually, you'll get there with 3-person, too. When you no longer have to think about those things and they become automatic, you'll become a better 3-man official and a stronger C.

Best of luck!