Got a little taste...

[Loudwhistle2]

Originally Posted by stiffler3492

...of what big time varsity ball would be like.

Sophomore boys prelim game last night, close all the way throughout. Big rivalry, and as my game went on, people were arriving early for the varsity game. By the end of regulation, the gym was PACKED. Of course, overtime. That was fine by me though, great atmosphere.

The band was playing, students were getting rowdy (in a good way), visitors had a chance to win at the last second.

Don't know if I've ever had more fun at a game before.

It seems like you are one of the players in the game at that point in time, adrenaline is up, each call is really a big deal and the winner may not be known until the final seconds! Some of my friends ask me why I ref and I try to tell them how it can be exciting trying to keep track of all that is going on, and its like a never ending hunt where you're trying to keep ahead of the action. But until you've experienced a game like you just described, there's no way that I know of to describe it.

[stiffler3492]

Originally Posted by Loudwhistle2

It seems like you are one of the players in the game at that point in time, adrenaline is up, each call is really a big deal and the winner may not be known until the final seconds! Some of my friends ask me why I ref and I try to tell them how it can be exciting trying to keep track of all that is going on, and its like a never ending hunt where you're trying to keep ahead of the action. But until you've experienced a game like you just described, there's no way that I know of to describe it.

That's exactly it. Communication with everyone (players, coaches, partner) becomes so much more important in a game like that, and I thought my partner and I did a great job at communicating what we needed to to everyone involved.

It helped that my partner was excellent, I'd worked with him a couple times before and I know I'm working with him again. Nothing more than the usual from the coaches, and I had a sore throat at the end of the night because I had to yell to be heard over the crowd.

Wish I had a louder whistle, though...is it the dolphin that some guys use in loud environments?

[Adam]

I still remember my first such game, and that's when the fever really completely set in.

[stiffler3492]

Right with ya Snaqs. I think I'll remember this one for a long time.

[refiator]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I still remember my first such game, and that's when the fever really completely set in.

Same here...and the fever continues to grow even after LOTS of years.

[BktBallRef]

My favorite thing about such situations is that the fans, players and coaches are going wild. But there are three guys who are calm, cool and collected.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

My favorite thing about such situations is that the fans, players and coaches are going wild. But there are three guys who are calm, cool and collected.

Hopefully, there are 5, if you include the scorer and timer.

[VaTerp]

Good play, good partners, good atmosphere.

Any 1 of the 3 makes it worth it.

Any 2 of the 3 and its almost like stealing money.

Cheers to more nights with 2 or 3 of 3.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

Hopefully, there are 5, if you include the scorer and timer.

Don't tempt him please???!!!

Peace

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

Hopefully, there are 5, if you include the scorer and timer.

I don't.