Pre-Game Poll

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

Why do you make the assumption that those of us here who only work high school games at the sub-varsity (JV/Frosh) level would have pre-game's that are below the standard of a pre-game conducted by the varsity officials?

Why would a sub varsity crew want to go out on the floor any less prepared to work a game than a varsity crew?

I'm not sure that's what he was implying. I certainly didn't take it the way you did. In my experience (and in more than just basketball), sub-V games are held on days and at times that require some (or even most) officials to arrive straight from work - and often not as early to the game as one should expect at varsity or college games. I don't think he's saying Sub-V officials are worse, but rather that it might be less likely to have time for a true pre-game at a Sub-V contest.

This may not be true in your area, but it certainly is in mine. Heck, I can no longer count the number of football games that started with 1 (or 2!) less officials than scheduled, and the last official shows up an runs right into a position between plays.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

This may not be true in your area, but it certainly is in mine. Heck, I can no longer count the number of football games that started with 1 (or 2!) less officials than scheduled, and the last official shows up an runs right into a position between plays.

Almost all games at the lower level are scheduled earlier even the ones on varsity nights in my area. Or on Saturday mornings, the games are held early in the morning and people might have rolled out of bed to do those games. It is usually not as bad as you stated where people are running onto the field, but they are running to get to the field before game time.

I also think the time is a challenge to do a good pre-game anyway. Because a game might start at 6:00, that means that if someone gets there at 5:30 they are not likely to have an extensive pre-game when you have 15 minutes at most. Also I think when you have a sub-varsity game you are working with usually unexperienced officials or officials that are only allowed to work those games because they are not considered talented enough to work higher levels. So the pre-game is going to be a little different for that reason alone.

Peace

[Mark Padgett]

My pre-game conference consists of only one question of my partner: "Did you bring me any meds?"

[packersowner]

Wasn't assuming or implying anything - was asking the question based on the notion that you should copy/watch/learn from those who you aspire to be.

Although, from personal experience, the lower the level, it seems the more uncomfortable people are with having a pre-game. I think it should be done at every level.

I agree with Mark though - getting to the gym for a 5:00 game, rushing from work, means I am usually trying to also remember if I was suppose to stop for milk on the way home from the game

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by packersowner

Wasn't assuming or implying anything - was asking the question based on the notion that you should copy/watch/learn from those who you aspire to be.

Although, from personal experience, the lower the level, it seems the more uncomfortable people are with having a pre-game. I think it should be done at every level.

I do not use a pre-game that is written down and used word for word. My pre-game is basically in my head and covers things I cover often. I have multiple copies of pre-games with different stuff and I usually talk about things that should be covered based on the experience I am working with that night. I teach so much mechanics or rules usually this is something I remember in detail. But if it matters to you, either buy a pre-game board or use a copy of one that might be online. But over time I have realized you have to talk about some things outside of the board to cater to who your partner is and your experience with that partner.

Peace

[packersowner]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not use a pre-game that is written down and used word for word. My pre-game is basically in my head and covers things I cover often. I have multiple copies of pre-games with different stuff and I usually talk about things that should be covered based on the experience I am working with that night. I teach so much mechanics or rules usually this is something I remember in detail. But if it matters to you, either buy a pre-game board or use a copy of one that might be online. But over time I have realized you have to talk about some things outside of the board to cater to who your partner is and your experience with that partner.

Peace

Do you ask your partner how much experience they have or do you just know from being around? I find it to be a difficult way to start the conversation especially if I have never met someone. I am not there to start a "measuring" contest. I try to say something like, "Hey , what do you do for a living? How long you have been running in-between the lines?"

Any suggestions on a conversation starter?

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by packersowner

Any suggestions on a conversation starter?

Hey, since we haven't worked together before, how do you normally handle. . .?

Have you had this coach before? I've heard he can be difficult, but I've never worked his games.

What do you think about the POE on elbows? Is it just me, or is it really confusing?

All of these approaches make you seem like you're asking for help, but actually begin a pre-game. Once you are talking about basketball, you can then move to other specific points you'd like to cover.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by packersowner

I am not there to start a "measuring" contest. I try to say something like, "Hey , what do you do for a living? How long you have been running in-between the lines?"

Any suggestions on a conversation starter?

I'm fairly new to my Association and haven't reffed with everyone yet. I usually introduce myself and say something like,

Me - "So, how long have you been reffing?"

Answer:

Me - "This is the start of my ninth season of doing ball and 2nd in the Association. I've been doing V ball for three yrs now, you?"

Answer:

Then I go from there.

My Association usually pears me up with Senior Officials so they can teach their ways, as well as observe and report back.

As has been stated, some of their pre-games are better than others, but, they all do them. Some by a list, some off a board, others from memory. Always good discussion.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by packersowner

Do you ask your partner how much experience they have or do you just know from being around? I find it to be a difficult way to start the conversation especially if I have never met someone. I am not there to start a "measuring" contest. I try to say something like, "Hey , what do you do for a living? How long you have been running in-between the lines?"

Any suggestions on a conversation starter?

My goal is to empower anyone I am working with. I ask them so they can tell me what they have done. I am well known in most situations and people have perceptions of my experience or background. I like to help those get better and know that I am their equal, not someone with just more knowledge because they see me as a past President or current Board Member. So I tend to ask directly "How long have you been officiating?" Also that information in this state is easy to find out as well. I also sometimes ask where they were the day before or the weekend before as well.

I was in sales for years and management, so I love to talk to people and talking to people is never a problem for me. And as a state clinician or board member I get approached all the time about officiating issues. So I have grown to ask whatever I think will break the ice. The more you do this and the more people you know and work with, this usually becomes second nature.

Peace

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by packersowner

Any suggestions on a conversation starter?

Yes.

"What are one (or two or three) incorrect things you observe other officials do that you hope I don't do on this game tonight?"

Then I give my top one or two or three. One might even be something I've seen the other guy do which isn't good, but since it's spoken without any one in particular noted, it's not apparent as a personal criticism. And real change has occurred with that official.

That initial "venting", when of a constructive nature, has been welcomed by all I've done it with over the past three or so years. It's helped purge our area of several chronic problems as valid "pet peeves" become expressed in pregame meetings and done so in a way that are not direct criticisms of others specifically but general observations about things seen deserving improvement.

With about six of us in out area doing this with our various partners, we've pretty much done away with the illegitimate "on the floor!" act of shooting foul calls and improved off-ball surveillance appreciably, to cite only two things.

May not work in all areas, but it seems to have worked well here.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by packersowner

...

Any suggestions on a conversation starter?

I worked with vbzebra tonight. We started things off discussing an issue he brought up here in the forum.