Game Management

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Adam

When in Rome....

Around here, it's expected that some marginal stuff gets overlooked in favor of the team getting it handed to them. One of the most consistent and early critiques I received was, "That was a travel, but you might want to let it go in this game."

Adam:

That philosophy works well at the JrHS levels and below when the skill level of players on both teams are all over the spectrum. But at the FR level and above (as well as highly skilled JrHS games) a travel is a travel is a travel.

MTD, Sr.

[VaTerp]

Originally Posted by upanddown

Much of goes on in a game regarding making the call or not depends on alog of issues., Our school system runs girls and boys Bball at the same time. Any suggestions on how to call a basketball game and discuss it during pre-game as in a 3 man crew when:

1) Doing boys HS Varsity a top 3 seed team versus bottom 3 seed of 12 teams.
2) Doing girls HS Varsity a top 3 seed team " " '

I personally rather not ref a girls game but neither does anyone else. Suggestions be helpful.

I do like to look at the paper or online to find out some background on teams before games but I look at this as information and preparation and try my best to not pre-judge what kind of night it's going to be.

This week I had girls games on back to back nights. The first game I was at a school where I have had crap games the 2-3 most recent times I'd been there and based on their opponent thought it would not be that competitive a game. I look up their record online and see they are having a better season than in years past but still wasnt expecting that much in terms of level of play.

Turns out it was a very well played game that came down to the last possession. Good rhythm and flow throughout, on same page with partners, great energy and atmosphere in gym. One of my more enjoyable games this year.

Next night, I have the defending state champion at home against a team that had only lost once all year. Both ranked in the top 20 in the area and highlighted in the paper as one of the games of the week. Ended up being an awful game. Visiting team couldnt throw it in the ocean in the 1st quarter, both coaches were whining all game, no flow, just a very disappointing game compared to what I was expecting.

Point being, info is always good but you should never let preconceived notions of how a game will go affect how you will officiate because you will often have a different game than you expect.

And game management is never something that I worry about pre-game. Let the game come to you. I see game management as a skill acquired with experience. Once a game becomes lopsided on the scoreboard or you notice a situation you know you need to take care of then handle business accordingly. But it's something I would never worry about prior to tip off or discuss in pre-game. Half time or between quarters is a different story.

And as for boys and girls games our association handles both and you work what you get. Honestly I do prefer boys games and I get about 70-30 boys. But at the end of the day, I just want a good game with good partners and will take a good girls game over a bad boys game any night of the week. The way it works here (for the most part) is that if you prove your worth on the court, make yourself available, and conduct yourself professionally on and off the court, you will get the better games and for the most part the one's you prefer to work.

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by ronny mulkey

So, Smitty, were you on the list?

No. Apparently I'm not one of the top 3 in our association of 400+. But I'm working on it.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Adam:

That philosophy works well at the JrHS levels and below when the skill level of players on both teams are all over the spectrum. But at the FR level and above (as well as highly skilled JrHS games) a travel is a travel is a travel.

MTD, Sr.

When in Rome, Mark. When in Rome.