Anyone get worse after the first few years?

[BillyMac]

I don't know if this applies to basketball officiating, or, anything else for that matter, but according to journalist Malcom Gladwell, mastery of anything, whether it's the Beatles in music, or Bill Gates in the computer world, takes 10,000 hours of practice.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I don't know if this applies to basketball officiating, or, anything else for that matter, but according to journalist Malcom Gladwell, mastery of anything, whether it's the Beatles in music, or Bill Gates in the computer world, takes 10,000 hours of practice.

I was once told it takes a minimum of 7 seasons before one is ready "to work any game" in local our jurisdiction. The top 2 games would be Game 3 of the BV city final and the regional BV final.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

I was once told it takes a minimum of 7 seasons before one is ready "to work any game" in local our jurisdiction. The top 2 games would be Game 3 of the BV city final and the regional BV final.

My local board, according to our bylaws, will not assign a single varsity game to anyone unless they have worked four years, including the cadet year, as a subvarsity official, no matter how good they are. Members can't work a "full" varsity schedule until they have worked three years as a "split" (both varsity and subvarsity games) official.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

My local board, according to our bylaws, will not assign a single varsity game to anyone unless they have worked four years, including the cadet year, as a subvarsity official, no matter how good they are. Members can't work a "full" varsity schedule until they have worked three years as a "split" (both varsity and subvarsity games) official.

Coincidence? 4 + 3 = 7!

[jdmara]

I think the biggest tool an official (rookie or veteran) can utilize is video review. Instead of being uneasy about a call you made for the rest of your life (or until you forget about it), you can see it from a different angle (perhaps two if there is video exchange software being used) and analyze your call. Did the defender establish initial LGP? Did the defender move into the ball handler? etc... I think it's underutilized by newer officials because it does take a lot of time to get proficient at using the information gleaned.

For my high school games, I arrive at the site, introduce myself to game management, and hand them a self-addressed stamped envelope with a DVD and ask for a copy. I'm not always successful but I get more of the videos than I have time to watch during the week and it is immensely helpful in my progression as an official.

-Josh

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

My local board, according to our bylaws, will not assign a single varsity game to anyone unless they have worked four years, including the cadet year, as a subvarsity official, no matter how good they are. Members can't work a "full" varsity schedule until they have worked three years as a "split" (both varsity and subvarsity games) official.

How do they handle transfers? I'm not planning on moving to your corner of paradise...just wondering.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by tomegun

How do they handle transfers? I'm not planning on moving to your corner of paradise...just wondering.

I always get a kick out of places who essentially turn away quality varsity-level officials because they tell them they have to work sub-varsity for an arbitrary amount of time.

I know that if I moved somewhere and was told I needed to work 7 years before becoming a full varsity official, my career would be over.

I'm not saying that I'd expect to not be evaluated -- I'd be happy to be seen 1, 2, 4, or 10 times my first season -- whatever they wanted -- but saying that an official, no matter how good, would need to work freshman games to "pay his dues" is ridiculous.

(I ran into something like that when I moved here, BTW. I was able to work a varsity schedule right away but I had to wait 3 years before I was post-season eligible even after 15 years of varsity experience in other states.)

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by Rich

I always get a kick out of places who essentially turn away quality varsity-level officials because they tell them they have to work sub-varsity for an arbitrary amount of time.

I know that if I moved somewhere and was told I needed to work 7 years before becoming a full varsity official, my career would be over.

I'm not saying that I'd expect to not be evaluated -- I'd be happy to be seen 1, 2, 4, or 10 times my first season -- whatever they wanted -- but saying that an official, no matter how good, would need to work freshman games to "pay his dues" is ridiculous.

(I ran into something like that when I moved here, BTW. I was able to work a varsity schedule right away but I had to wait 3 years before I was post-season eligible even after 15 years of varsity experience in other states.)

If someone moved here (Southern Nevada...Las Vegas) and could work I would give them games next week. The fact that I already have next week scheduled is my only exaggeration in that statement.

I have a guy right now who just moved here and really isn't as polished as my top 6 officials (in my crew). But, he has been great with his participation and is flexible. I feel like I have to show him some loyalty and work with him to the point where I can comfortably put him on the court for some varsity contests.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by tomegun

How do they handle transfers? I'm not planning on moving to your corner of paradise...just wondering.

IAABO transfers fill in, for the most part, seamlessly, including transfers from Connecticut's other local IAABO boards, or from IAABO boards outside Connecticut. Our assigning commissioner communicates with the transfer's previous assignment commissioner and they will usually pick up where they left off. I believe that these transfers are assigned schedules according to the IAABO (International) constitution, and bylaws.

Transfers from non-IAABO associations are another story. Our assignment commissioner will try to get as much information about the transferring official as possible. Our assignment commissioner will also schedule the transferring official for a few preseason scrimmages, and observe said official, and base the transfer's schedule on the observation.

And, yes, it is almost like paradise. Connecticut basketball game fees for 2012-2013: Varsity Fee: $89.76; Sub Varsity Fee: $58.21.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

IAABO transfers fill in, for the most part, seamlessly, including transfers from Connecticut's other local IAABO boards, or from IAABO boards outside Connecticut. Our assigning commissioner communicates with the transfers previous assignment commissioner and they will usually pick up where they left off. I believe that these transfers are assigned schedules according to the IAABO (International) constitution, and bylaws.

Transfers from non-IAABO associations are another story. Our assignment commissioner will try to get as much information about the transferring official as possible. Our assignment commissioner will also schedule the transferring official for a few preseason scrimmages, and observe said official, and base the transfer's schedule on the observation.

And, yes, it is almost like paradise. Connecticut basketball game fees for 2012-2013: Varsity Fee: $89.76; Sub Varsity Fee: $58.21.

How much of it is worked 3-person? How much travel money are you paid?

There's more to doing this than the paycheck you receive for the game.

[Scuba_ref]

Originally Posted by Rich

How much of it is worked 3-person? How much travel money are you paid?

There's more to doing this than the paycheck you receive for the game.

That is true, but BMac is getting more than double what we get in WA state for a three man varsity game. WOW!

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich

How much of it is worked 3-person? How much travel money are you paid? There's more to doing this than the paycheck you receive for the game.

Almost all two person games, except for an occasional holiday tournament. No mileage, however the longest trip, one way from one corner, to the other corner, of our area is 55 miles, so I'm guessing that the average one way trip would be around fifteen, to twenty, miles, one way.

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

And, yes, it is almost like paradise. Connecticut basketball game fees for 2012-2013: Varsity Fee: $89.76; Sub Varsity Fee: $58.21.

Is this for a single game?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by OKREF

Is this for a single game?

Fee, per person, per game, and subvarsity includes freshman, and middle school, games.