Post game conference

[packersowner]

I like to ask my partners if they have anything to discuss. However, i get a little annoyed when this turns into an open critique on only me. I like constructive feedback but some guys really suck at it. I especially get annoyed when its someone who I didnt feel did a very good job themself. This is probably what keeps guys from wanting to discuss the game.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by packersowner

I like to ask my partners if they have anything to discuss. However, i get a little annoyed when this turns into an open critique on only me. I like constructive feedback but some guys really suck at it. I especially get annoyed when its someone who I didnt feel did a very good job themself. This is probably what keeps guys from wanting to discuss the game.

I've honestly got no problem. I figure if they don't want to discuss things, they won't get better. That either means they don't need to, or they'll be stuck in low level games til they get it.

[JRutledge]

I always talk about the game afterwards and in the locker room. I can hardly think of a time when we don't talk about the game. Now it might be more extensive with some partners, but there is always a question about a play or a situation with a coach or other unusual situations. It is just what we do in my experiences. Some times there is a lot more talk than others, but it is never silent after the game.

Peace

[AKOFL]

post game is just as important for learning as a pre game. You are missing out if you don't post game imho.

[Loudwhistle2]

Originally Posted by akofl

post game is just as important for learning as a pre game. You are missing out if you don't post game imho.

+1

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by AKOFL

post game is just as important for learning as a pre game. You are missing out if you don't post game imho.

Post game discussions often become agenda items for the next game's pregame. Post game gives us ideas of what to especially look for on video the next day. Post game is particularly significant if there's a fill-in member of the crew who can help identify things we're accustomed to doing that aren't really good. Post game debriefing is better than everyone dressing as fast as possible and scurrying off site as if happy to get out of there.

[icallfouls]

Originally Posted by packersowner

I like to ask my partners if they have anything to discuss. However, i get a little annoyed when this turns into an open critique on only me. I like constructive feedback but some guys really suck at it. I especially get annoyed when its someone who I didnt feel did a very good job themself. This is probably what keeps guys from wanting to discuss the game.

Try starting the post game by asking each official about which call they liked the best, and the call they liked the least.

I had a similar situation during halftime of a college game once. We had put a few too many unnecessary whistles into the game, there was no flow, and the teams were getting frustrated as a result. Went in at halftime, asked my partners if there was anything we could have passed on. The room was silent. So I took the initiative to say that I had 2 or 3 whistles that I wish I hadn't had. We started to review these plays and next thing you know we are having some positive communication about how we could improve things.

The second half went much better.

The post game was really good in that most of our discussions were about the improved call selection.

I have used this approach numerous times and it gets people talking about themselves - and face it, referees like to talk . Each official gets to direct the discussion rather than singling out one person.

[Terrapins Fan]

Originally Posted by packersowner

I like to ask my partners if they have anything to discuss. However, i get a little annoyed when this turns into an open critique on only me. I like constructive feedback but some guys really suck at it. I especially get annoyed when its someone who I didnt feel did a very good job themself. This is probably what keeps guys from wanting to discuss the game.

Wow, there's a lot in this post.

Why are most of your partners critiquing you?

How much experience do you have? When you ref lower level games, do you stay and watch the varsity level? I did for years.

I would sit and say " Why didn't they call that?", "Why did they call that?"

I learned and it helped me become a better official. I also want the more experienced officials to tell me what they think, if I missed anything and I can learn from that.

I am in my 13th year, we never stop learning and someone else has a different view of what happened on every play.

On one play with a junior partner, ( 2 man ) I clearly saw the defender lean into the air born shooter, he called a charge. I am not sure what he saw, but it was his call, not mine.

[BillyMac]

Very common post game conference "ice breaker" here in my little corner of Connecticut, especially among veterans, both varsity, and subvarsity, is, "So what did you see?", or, "Got anything to help me out?.

[bainsey]

I prefer to have them, but it really depends on the partner.

While my previous JV game's partner was eager to get out of there, I asked the varsity officials (two man) if I could do halftime and postgame with them. They graciously included me, and it was one of the best experiences I've had this season.

I watched the game from one end line, near the locker rooms. Between the first and second quarters, the umpire came to me and said we'll be talking about one particular call at halftime, and how advantage/disadvantage plays a role. (It certainly helped that the possession arrow was pointing in my direction.) At halftime, we talked about a few plays, they asked my opinion of the goings-on, and the umpire threw in some valuable feedback and constructive criticism of my work.

Second half, the R has an easy PC foul. A fan whines that the defender was "under the basket!" The R looks at me and says, "will you tell that guy that's a college rule?!" Later, a few from that contingent start directing their objections toward me. I could just grin.

Bottom line: Ask the vets for inclusion. Those that appreciate passion will let you in. Two years ago, my JV partner did this, and I joined the lot. Two weeks ago, I worked a JV game, and that same partner had the varsity one after me.

[BillyMac]

Many, many years ago, way back in the late twentieth century, I, as a young, inexperienced official (with dark hair), was watching a state tournament game from the bleachers. At halftime, the referee, one of our best, and most experienced, officials, motioned to me to come up to the locker room. I was listening to the the halftime conference when the referee asked me, "So, BillyMac, what did you see?". I was astounded that such a respected, and experienced, official, would ask this of a young whippersnapper. I actually had something to contribute regarding a throwin that didn't touch anybody on the court, that was missed by both officials due to some poor communication.

That's the way it used to be around here, everybody helping everybody else to become a better official. Not so much anymore. Now it seems to be every man for himself.

[twocentsworth]

Try these questions (some mentioned before) to get things stared:

- you guys/girls got anything?
- what did you see on (name a specific play/call)?
- I probably didn't handle (name a spacific play/call of yours) very well...what did you think?
- any calls you would like to have back?

These help me get things started if my partners don't seem particularly inclined to discuss the game.

[AKOFL]

That's the way it used to be around here, everybody helping everybody else to become a better official. Not so much anymore. Now it seems to be every man for himself.

great point Billy. I have noticed that fellow officials are quicker to tear down others than to build up. trying to make themselves look better somehow. Afraid they will lose some games to newer guys or something. very discouraging. We are the only team members we have, so it should be everybody helping everybody.
__________________

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by bainsey

I prefer to have them, but it really depends on the partner.

While my previous JV game's partner was eager to get out of there, I asked the varsity officials (two man) if I could do halftime and postgame with them. They graciously included me, and it was one of the best experiences I've had this season.

I watched the game from one end line, near the locker rooms. Between the first and second quarters, the umpire came to me and said we'll be talking about one particular call at halftime, and how advantage/disadvantage plays a role. (It certainly helped that the possession arrow was pointing in my direction.) At halftime, we talked about a few plays, they asked my opinion of the goings-on, and the umpire threw in some valuable feedback and constructive criticism of my work.

Second half, the R has an easy PC foul. A fan whines that the defender was "under the basket!" The R looks at me and says, "will you tell that guy that's a college rule?!" Later, a few from that contingent start directing their objections toward me. I could just grin.

Bottom line: Ask the vets for inclusion. Those that appreciate passion will let you in. Two years ago, my JV partner did this, and I joined the lot. Two weeks ago, I worked a JV game, and that same partner had the varsity one after me.

Too many JV guys are in their cars before the echo of the final horn has faded. Always be learning. I was never refused an audience if I asked for it. But the key is to listen, not to critique. To see how advice given after your game was employed in their game. Post-game discussions almost always occur unless the "in it for the money guys" are on the game with you.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

Too many JV guys are in their cars before the echo of the final horn has faded. Always be learning. I was never refused an audience if I asked for it. But the key is to listen, not to critique. To see how advice given after your game was employed in their game. Post-game discussions almost always occur unless the "in it for the money guys" are on the game with you.

One of my biggest pet peeves are the JV or prelim guys leave right after the game. Some do not even get out of the clothes they officiated in and are in the car before the game following starts. That is how I learned from veterans was to stick around and talk to them and learn from what they did on the floor. And then these guys are the first to complain why they are not moving up, but do not do the things it takes to learn from others. I cannot imagine a game without us talking about some play afterwards on some level.

Peace