Now that football has wound down and we're about into December, I'm feeling the itch a little bit to get back on the court. The one thing I really don't like about working football and basketball overlapping like they do here is that I'm plumb worn out by the end of football season and don't build any enthusiasm for basketball until about now.

"Hey Look Coach, I Found A Four Leaf Clover" ...
 

Of course. Those are the ones who are picking dandelions in the outfield. Wait? I'm being told that that's the wrong sport. Nevermind..

If you want people to take everything the same, then pay the same, start the game at the same time and use the same number of officials for each game at every level. Until that happens, then you will get officials that will take the same approach.

And is is obvious that kids that play at the freshman level all would play when they get to the varsity ages.

Peace

I know some will find this blasphemous, but what the heck: Expecting officials to come in and treat youth basketball with the same gravitas as a varsity or college game at $20 to $25 a game is a bit much, IMO.

Normally I do two or three of these things a year and I usually work 4 games or so in a stretch. To me, it's work for a paycheck. I hustle and work hard (although we may not switch 75% of the time) but I don't spend a lot of time being philosophical -- I know what I am that weekend -- a $100 guy in a striped shirt who will take exactly no crap per game from coaches and players.

And it is horribly unrealistic. There is a reason officials stop doing those games when they get to a certain level or have other experiences.

Peace

I got my first three assigned games over the weekend: a Freshman/JV boys doubleheader and a JV boys game. Won't be for a while, though.

Should be interesting. :)

I admit I've been a little jealous of those who have started sooner than we do here.

And then, I got my schedule: Three games next week, six the following week, and six more the week after.

I agree, seems like we start everything late here in Maine and then it all piles up at once....including the snow.

I have 5 games next week and 4 the following week. Between our Sunday board clinic and 4 Red Claws games (game day staff) I will be spending an awful lot of time around the game.

just started my seventh year as a scorekeeper.still love that every game presents its own challenge from back there.I love the officials that say the game in front of them is the most important.Its the attitude I take when I scorekeep volleyball or basketball or call lines.Let's all have some fun this year :D :D :D

Congrats, man!!!
 

NEVER sell yourself short. Be proud, be very proud. Everyone on this board will offer you only kudos and congrats.

Seriously- there are enough yahoos in the stands and uninformed coaches who WILL sell you short.

Agree fully. Nothing gets my blood boiling faster than a partner showing 2 minutes before tip-off for a middle school game. I like to pre-game, no matter the level. The middle school, grade school and parochial kids work just as hard as the rest...maybe harder than some. I expect myself to do the same.

Your expectations may or may not be met by your partners.

I worked as a fill-in for a game last year, last minute. First middle school game I'd done since the mid-90s. I showed up 40 minutes early for the 2 games and I was the only person there. They didn't understand why my uniform was in a suitcase and not on me and my partner showed up 5 minutes before the tip. Actually, it made me realize that maybe I should've adjusted my routine a bit.

What would you have adjusted in your routine?

I try and get there at least 30 minutes before a game whenever possible. I too arrive in street clothes and have had ADs acknowledge that I was there early and hopefully my partner would be right along.

Most show up in uniform or ratty jeans, I just can't understand that.

I apologized to an AD last year for getting there 20 minutes early because I got delayed and work and she said, oh don't worry, your partner isn't hear and you're still early compared to some guys.

I personally can't imagine rolling out of my truck and heading directly for the court to start the game.

From A Recent Article In Our Local Board Newsletter ...
 

When arriving at a game site, people immediately judge you by your appearance. Make a good first impression by coming to game sites dressed professionally in business casual attire. Consider purchasing a sweater, pullover, or vest, with an IAABO logo, or a Board logo. Common sense dictates that some afternoon assignments may require officials to arrive in uniform, or in work clothes. Middle school sites may lack secure dressing areas, and may not have shower facilities available.

For most high school games, where secure dressing areas, and showers, are available, officials should not come dressed in uniform, and should not come dressed in sneakers, work boots, jeans, T-shirts, etc. It looks bad, and reflects poorly on the Board. On court, the official’s uniform should be clean, pants pressed, all black shoes shined, jacket unwrinkled, and the official should be well groomed. Officials should shower after the game and should not leave wearing a uniform. Doing so could give the impression that the official wants to “get in, get out, and get paid”, which is not the impression that Board officials want to present.