New Offical

[seohio]

I also practice mechanis and view several games both in person and on you tube....I do have trouble with taking my time on the court and alot of the time I get the direction messed up when signaling out of bounds.

[Refk]

Watch as many games as you can...... when my son plays (HS) I am constantly watching the officials and try to add certain elements to my games that I feel are good and remind myself to eliminate those that I feel are not good (that I find myself doing).

Been doing this for 10 years and constantly trying to improve.

Recently went to watch a college game where my son is going to play and I really got a lot from watching those officials. Their calmness during the most stressful situations blew me away. Their ability to slow things down and seemingly never get in a rush was pretty amazing. My goal this year is to try to incorporate their demeanor into my game.

Good Luck.

[seohio]

I have been watching several games and I watched years of my Son and Daughter playing.....now that they are out I decided to obtain liscense.
I also go to alot of college games, as a matter of fact I was at one last night....Marshall University....college officals are pretty cool to watch but their signaling sucks.....I can seldom just from their signals know the call.

[RookieDude]

Originally Posted by seohio

....college officals are pretty cool to watch but their signaling sucks..... .

A lot of great advice here seohio...sounds like you really want to be a good official.

Here is my advice...

You want to move up the officiating ladder? Don't tell a veteran official he/she "SUCKS" (or even have that attitude)...especially when you have ONLY done 3 games in your life.

Just do a lot of listening your first year.

[Rob1968]

My wife long ago gave up with asking, "Who's playing?" when I'm watching a ballgame. She knows I'm studying the officials:
What did he/she call, from where?
What was the game situation?
How did he/she communicate - with the players, partners, table crew, coaches (when needed)?
What did they not call? (with the same qualifiers as on the calls they made)
College games, for me, are most instructive, with understanding of the different rules sets fro HS.

[seohio]

I do study refs as well.....I study NFHS books constantly and go over what could be's in my mind but for now I am just uncomfortable with being new.....lol....

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rob1968

My wife long ago gave up with asking, "Who's playing?" when I'm watching a ballgame. She knows I'm studying the officials.

I was just talking about this with another official at a scrimmage this morning. I used to be a great basketball fan. Now I don't watch the players, I'm only watching the officials. Am I ruined for life? Will this ever go away? Should I end it all now?

[Freddy]

seohio, check your PM, your Private Messages, for some resources.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

...I'm only watching the officials. Am I ruined for life? Will this ever go away? Should I end it all now?

"Not that there's anything wrong with that"

[Sharpshooternes]

Originally Posted by Rob1968

My wife long ago gave up with asking, "Who's playing?" when I'm watching a ballgame. She knows I'm studying the officials:
What did he/she call, from where?
What was the game situation?
How did he/she communicate - with the players, partners, table crew, coaches (when needed)?
What did they not call? (with the same qualifiers as on the calls they made)
College games, for me, are most instructive, with understanding of the different rules sets fro HS.

I am still in the "why are you watching a ball game?" phase. "Shouldn't you be mowing the lawn?" "Take the garbage out." "Change this diaper" Dangit woman!!

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by seohio

... alot of the time I get the direction messed up when signaling out of bounds.

Just on that one point, here's something maybe valuable. You decide.

Don't rush the signal, the point. Rather, when an out of bounds call is required...
1) Blow the whistle with an...
2) ...Upraised arm with open hand, then
3) Verbalize the color of who gets the resulting inbounds.
4) Then, having given yourself a moment to decide which way the play is going to go, then...
5) In a relaxed manner, point the proper direction.

Too many officials (many new, some veteran) seem to want to do the point first, like immediately pulling a gun out of a holster to touch off a shot as soon as possible. I admire the veterans who can do that and be correct every time--I can't. Gotta be aware of my target first. I'd bring it out and shoot in the wrong direction sometimes, if not often.

Make the direction point the last thing you do of the five above. You'll get the direction correct on a regular basis then.

[seohio]

I will do that.....thanks

[Sharpshooternes]

Originally Posted by seohio

I will do that.....thanks

Me too. Good idea.

[stir22]

Originally Posted by seohio

I also practice mechanis and view several games both in person and on you tube....I do have trouble with taking my time on the court and alot of the time I get the direction messed up when signaling out of bounds.

This sounds familiar. Sounds like me a few years ago! Until you get it down, just go with the color. Shout "blue", and there will be no doubt. In my fifth year, I still do this, albeit a lot less than i use to.

Good luck! Have fun! And welcome. If you work hard you'll be amazed at how fast you improve.

[seohio]

Thanks everyone for your replys....sounds like there is alot of experience here...a great place to visit and Im sure I will have lots of questions as we go on.