Post game conference

[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

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

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

Yup. The best post-games involve a sandwich and a beer. I love talking about the game and sometimes it's nice to put the game aside for 20-30 minutes while you shower, change, etc. and pick up the conversation at the restaurant / watering hole you head to afterwards.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

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

When I was coming up if the Varsity crew had officials on it that I respected I always stayed around until at least through halftime. I would go in with the varsity crew listen to their halftime thoughts then grab my bag and leave.

[icallfouls]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

When I was coming up if the Varsity crew had officials on it that I respected I always stayed around until at least through halftime. I would go in with the varsity crew listen to their halftime thoughts then grab my bag and leave.

We have made it a requirement for all new officials to stay through halftime of the varsity and listen in on the halftime discussion 3 times during the season. There is a mechanism that we use to track this.

It is not a huge commitment over the season, and it helps in the development and retention of those who want to take it seriously.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by icallfouls

We have made it a requirement for all new officials to stay through halftime of the varsity and listen in on the halftime discussion 3 times during the season. There is a mechanism that we use to track this.

It is not a huge commitment over the season, and it helps in the development and retention of those who want to take it seriously.

I like this a lot.

[TimTaylor]

Originally Posted by icallfouls

We have made it a requirement for all new officials to stay through halftime of the varsity and listen in on the halftime discussion 3 times during the season. There is a mechanism that we use to track this.

It is not a huge commitment over the season, and it helps in the development and retention of those who want to take it seriously.

I assume you're talking about the probationary member observation report function on RefTown. Have yet to see any stick around for the varsity games I have done so far.....in a couple instances the JV officials didn't even come to the locker room to let us know their game was finished. Do you have a mechanism to close the loop?

Have a Merry Christmas my friend - see you next week!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by TimTaylor

I assume you're talking about the probationary member observation report function on RefTown. Have yet to see any stick around for the varsity games I have done so far.....in a couple instances the JV officials didn't even come to the locker room to let us know their game was finished. Do you have a mechanism to close the loop?

Have a Merry Christmas my friend - see you next week!

Here, everyone dresses in the same locker room. The loop closes itself.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by TimTaylor

Have yet to see any stick around for the varsity games I have done so far!

Do we not have any officials who are also simply fans of the game and enjoy watching? No matter what the level, I almost always stay to watch a game (or two) after mine simply for the game itself. If there is opportunity to confer with the officials of that game, that's an added perk.

[icallfouls]

Originally Posted by TimTaylor

I assume you're talking about the probationary member observation report function on RefTown. Have yet to see any stick around for the varsity games I have done so far.....in a couple instances the JV officials didn't even come to the locker room to let us know their game was finished. Do you have a mechanism to close the loop?

Have a Merry Christmas my friend - see you next week!

Perhaps you could contact them a day or two prior to the game and ask if they would like to stick around and have them make some observations on your game?

The officials are supposed to stay and at least come in to give that information as per the Commish. If that is not the case, here is what I do for a game that starts at 7:30p, we head for the floor prior to 7:15p.

It is not their job, although it is a professional courtesy, to tell me when they are done. They may have circumstances that require them to be elsewhere. Even in the instances that the officials do come in, they typically don't know how much time was put on the clock. In most situations the clock & game management just put the minimum of 15 minutes on the clock.

Just like when game mgt says they will come get us at 3 minutes. We are supposed to be on the floor at 3, so I will ask for them to get us at 4. But it is on me/us to be on the floor at 3.

I am responsible for my actions, not the actions of others.

[packersowner]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

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

I'm not sure how it is in other parts, but often times guys working the JV games are also Varsity Level officials. I never assume when I am working a varsity game the crew that just got done isn't capable of replacing me. I know in some cases, we have JV crews that prefer working the earlier games because it allows them to get home to their families. It's possible that some officials who leave early, can't commit additional time because of other responsibilities.