What did you learn this season?

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Scuba_ref

I learned that anyone can officiate in the post season in Iowa!

So that was you on those videos?

[JRutledge]

I learned that I have to keep doing what I am doing and control only what I can control.

Peace

[Raymond]

Video exposes all the little things you aren't doing right.

[Toren]

I learned that my judgement isn't as good as I thought it was, but what I'm looking at is better than I expected.

Video doesn't lie.

[Mark Padgett]

Since I missed the entire season due to my heart surgery, I learned how much I miss it when I'm not working it, especially the little kids games. Two HS kids contacted me to tell me they had been looking forward to having me train them to ref in our local kids rec league and they were really sorry I wasn't able to help them. Previously, I had trained the older brothers of each of them.

If I'm not able to come back next season, it's going to be tough to cope with such a big loss out of my life that I've loved for well over 20 years, especially when you consider I've averaged between 100-150 games per calendar year.

My best to all of you guys and gals and even if I'm gone, always remember the first rule of officiating.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

My best to all of you guys and gals and even if I'm gone, always remember the first rule of officiating.

With all due respect, "Shut up". And that's coming from the deepest part of my 100% human heart.

[SWMOzebra]

I decided early on this season that it wasn't helping my game to call HS one night and NCAA-W the next, so I cut ties with HS ball in early December.

As a result of opening up my Arbiter schedule, I received twice as many college games as last year ... including quarterfinal games in two different conference tournaments.

All in all, it was a very good season.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by SWMOzebra

I decided early on this season that it wasn't helping my game to call HS one night and NCAA-W the next, so I cut ties with HS ball in early December.

As a result of opening up my Arbiter schedule, I received twice as many college games as last year ... including quarterfinal games in two different conference tournaments.

All in all, it was a very good season.

You actually closed out college supervisors for high school games? I work for HS supervisors with the understanding I'll turn back their games for college games.

[Scuba_ref]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

So that was you on those videos?

I wish...I've only made it as high up as district games. I need a couple more guys to retire at the top of the food chain.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Scuba_ref

I wish...I've only made it as high up as district games. I need a couple more guys to retire at the top of the food chain.

It would also be a bit of a drive too!

[Scuba_ref]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

It would also be a bit of a drive too!

True...even though I am a bit of a game whore, but Iowa is a little far for me!

[Stat-Man]

I learned that even though it truly isn't easy, officiating can be a fun experience.

I have to echo the sentiments with relaxing. When I worried more about what I should be doing or where I should be, that was when I struggled with making the right call.

I'm definitely looking forward to next season.

[jTheUmp]

3-person officiating is much, much easier (both from a physical and 'see the entire play' standpoint) than 2-person.

Better to work fewer games/days in the season and end the season wishing you had a few more than to work too many games and get burned out. (last season, I worked 120 games combined rec and High School and was completely burned out at the end. This season I worked 84. Still a lot, but I'm not burned out this time around).

[stir22]

My three "things" to work on all year were,

1) patient whistle
2) watch off-ball
3) illegal screens.

I felt I did a good job of improving in these areas...though I did miss/pass on an illegal screen IN MY LAST high school game of the year! Still mad at myself for that one! Dang.

This is a great thread. Thanks to all.