Or a criminal defense attorney unless they are formerly a criminal defendant

-Josh

I think this is a good point. I think there are clear positives that having played basketball competitively help as an official (such as understanding how plays develop; knowing how to be in a good position to observe a play; being prepared to the pace of the game). But this helps in the first couple years. After that, experience as an official takes over.

Likewise, experience as a player can create and misconceptions as an official, which, like the advantages, can be offset through experience officiating.

For starting out officials, I do think it is easier if they have experience playing. 5 years in as an official, and I doubt it makes a difference.

So many good responses, so little time to add mine . . .
Three years ago, while conducting a training meeting for 140+ HS officials, all levels, I asked for a show of hands of those of us who had played at least JrH, HS, or College basketball - 7 - less than 5%. Every one of those present are better officials than are the fans. Every one was there to improve. And, most of them would be considered good to excellent officials on the floor!

Yes, when I work with a newer official, I can readily tell whether he/she has a player's comprehension of the game. Some of his/her perceptions may be an advantage, some are not. And then I have to approach their training differently - trying to remove the misconceptions of a player, rather than those of a fan, coach, parent, etc.

All officials have the same goal - to be a great official. And we each have our limitations. And every official deserves respect, especially from his/her peers.

I get the feeling the OP just wanted everyone to know she played Varsity and college basketball to establish some aspect of credibility here. Based on her posts so far, if that was her goal, I think she failed.

*That is exactly what I woud have expected you to presume; and I must say that I'm a bit disappointed that you have actually confirmed it. No one who writes on this web forum is in need of "credibility" affirmations---I mean for all we know you could be just a kid hiding behind a computer screen spouting off about hoop officiating?

The purpose of my post was to ascertain the utility of real life competitive playing experience in regards to how this prepares one to be a good hoop official. And, as evidenced by the variation in replies it is apparant that such playing experience tends to help in the earlier phases of the profession but levels off as more technical and practical experience is obtained.

For the exact reasons you stated, I choose to respect the opinions of those who I observe to know what they are talking about based on their experience and how they communicate here. I have learned more about officiating from this site than anywhere else. You've been here 5 minutes and irritated most of the people I respect. Not a great start, but whatever works for you. It is a public forum. At least your posts are about basketball officiating...can't say that for a few others during the off season.

How do we know you are a working mom? ;)

Your personality on the forum is not consistent with someone who felt intimidated being a woman in a man's game, which is how you presented yourself initially.

We've seemed to inspire a new level of self-confidence. :cool:

Some of the WORST officials I have seen are former star players.

I worked with a guy this summer at camp who was a former D1 player. He said the biggest surprise when he started officiating about 5-6 years ago was how little he really knew about the rules.

Yup.

Former players often are very poor on the side of rules...at least for a while, and sometimes, forever. They may understand the plays and what the players experience, but that doesn't really matter if they're calling over-the-back and reaches as they wanted their entire playing career or calling a block because a defender stepped backwards before being charged into.

I know many officials who, being former players, get by more on charisma and presence than they do by getting actually calls correct. Some just make stuff up but get away with it due to their ability to sell it.

So, I want to get this straight, so help me if I'm wrong.

You're disappointed that you've been judged; but you fully expected us to judge you.

Is that about right?

I got the impression that she's had these deep thoughts brewing in her for some time and she thought it would be helpful to share them with the officiating world now that she's found an outlet that will facilitate that.

I can relate. The world is entitled to my opinions, after all.

You're wrong. He didn't asked to be judged. He asked for feedback. Very little was given. You judge a referee after his performance on the floor, their attention to detail, coach/player control. Rule knowledge, and how to properly call them [do not defer to NBA IMO]

When I first started umping baseball, it helped me tremendously having good game knowledge. I felt I got a much better head start advancing. In some cases that also came back to bite me a little in the butt. I was one of the few willing to work with raw, no baseball knowledge, umpires. I had to umpire, watch my partner, and the play too. I had to take my heat right there with the newb also.

I think it's sad that posters that started at point A at one time can't help those starting at point A themselves, and are wanting to try, and move up the alphabet. It says something that the maker of the OP gets the impression that that, "Hey, you played at a somewhat higher competition level than most, so you probably wouldn't be the best fit as an official.

+ 1

This is a huge leap from what has been said and is not remotely what anyone has said or implied. Except you.