First games of the season

[Moosie74]

Less than a week for me to start my 2nd season. I expected another season of middle school ball, which is fine with me. Must have impressed someone along the way, got the first months schedule the other day, 8 JV games, 4 middle school games.

Not much for most people here I know but its something for me.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by Moosie74

Not much for most people here I know but its something for me.

Don't do that. Everybody starts somewhere, and everybody should be proud of moving to the next level, regardless of what that next level is.

Don't sell yourself short. Congratulations on getting some high school games!

[Moosie74]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

Don't do that. Everybody starts somewhere, and everybody should be proud of moving to the next level, regardless of what that next level is.

Don't sell yourself short. Congratulations on getting some high school games!

You're right! I'm actually pretty happy because my plan at the start of last year was high school games in year 3. I have some pretty good games on the schedule too.

Some of them are followed by varsity games so I plan on staying for those too.

[Rich]

You'll do fine. I run into a lot of lower level officials where I live who are only on the court for the paycheck. No interest in getting better, no interest in looking the part, no interest in even looking interested when working.

Those who are interested and want to improve and advance quickly find themselves working higher level games.

[Moosie74]

Originally Posted by Rich

You'll do fine. I run into a lot of lower level officials where I live who are only on the court for the paycheck. No interest in getting better, no interest in looking the part, no interest in even looking interested when working.

Those who are interested and want to improve and advance quickly find themselves working higher level games.

I worked with a few of those people last year. One guys idea of giving back to the game by helping new officials was allowing them to call the game basically by themselves. I called 20 fouls to his 3, so I could "learn" he also showed up at 3:28, for a 3:30 tip.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Moosie74

Not much for most people here I know but its something for me.

That's a great attitude to take.

Those games are the most important games being played anywhere that day for those kids, fans, and coaches. And I sincerely believe that. I'm a varsity official but I also do Catholic middle school games, and I enjoy them as much as I enjoy my varsity games. I just love being out there with the kids. Basketball is basketball, and I love the sport.

[Moosie74]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

That's a great attitude to take.

Those games are is the most important games being played anywhere that day for those kids, fans, and coaches. And I sincerely believe that. I'm a varsity official but I also do Catholic middle school games, and I enjoy them as much as I enjoy my varsity games. I just love being out there with the kids. Basketbal is basketball, and I love the sport.

When I had my first game last year I was the highest paid spectator out there, I was brutal. But after a couple of games I caught on and became pretty comfortable and more proficient.

I agree too that the games are important for everyone. I am a veteran softball umpire, I enjoy the middle school games just as much as the upper level ball.

My biggest improvement of the year is an odd one, I managed to lose 15 pounds during the season which meant I was pulling my pants up every trip down the floor. I've now lost 40 pounds since last year, and bought new pants, looking forward to being a bit quicker and getting in better position.

[wyo96]

SoCal and Moosie... enjoy. I know I alwys look forward to the first games with glee...

Originally Posted by BillyMac

That's a great attitude to take.

Those games are is the most important games being played anywhere that day for those kids, fans, and coaches. And I sincerely believe that. I'm a varsity official but I also do Catholic middle school games, and I enjoy them as much as I enjoy my varsity games. I just love being out there with the kids. Basketbal is basketball, and I love the sport.

Billy...
I love this thought. I too have seen people who are not 100% vested in the game they are doing at that time. I remember my playing days, (ok, my bench days) but MY WORLD at that time was the game of the day. I think it behooves all officials to give 100% concentration every time.

Me for example..Thursday 2 MS Girls games, Friday Boys Freshman, Sat AM Girls Freshman, Sat Night Girls Jr. College. The players ( or my paretners) will never know what my previous or next game will be, only that I am working their game now.

[stir22]

Originally Posted by wyo96

SoCal and Moosie... enjoy. I know I alwys look forward to the first games with glee...



Billy...
I love this thought. I too have seen people who are not 100% vested in the game they are doing at that time. I remember my playing days, (ok, my bench days) but MY WORLD at that time was the game of the day. I think it behooves all officials to give 100% concentration every time.

Me for example..Thursday 2 MS Girls games, Friday Boys Freshman, Sat AM Girls Freshman, Sat Night Girls Jr. College. The players ( or my paretners) will never know what my previous or next game will be, only that I am working their game now.

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.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by stir22

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.

[Sharpshooternes]

Originally Posted by Rich

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?

[Moosie74]

Originally Posted by Rich

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.

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.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Moosie74

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

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.

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by stir22

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.

Jobs. Some people have jobs.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Forksref

Jobs. Some people have jobs.

Don't take the game then. And then you will not have to worry about where you are coming from.

Peace