You call yourself a Referee, but You never played varsity hoop?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Travelling Man

I played HS varsity and small college hoop. This gives me insight on what players go through during a game, for example I can see how they get annoyed by pesky defenders which causes them to commit violations, how they experience stress of waning time and being down by 1 or 2 pts and the urgency that envelopes them, and also I know how they feign fouls--like initiating contact on drives when defender has LGP and they are looking to exploit the "gray areas" of the call. (i.e., 'flopping'). Also, there are just some aspects of hoop that I cannot verbalize but I can sense during a game--simply because I've been in the same situation that the players have been in. I know that my hoop playing experience gives me unique insight and I use it in the execution of my officiating practice. I don't mean to sound erudite, but officials who have not played competitive hoop are more prone to be duped by players who are prone to deceptive feigning.
I'm sorry to say this and will likey recieve feedback from the posters here. Yet, it also begs the question: can a coach who has never played varsity actually be an excellent varsity level coach? Can a ref who has never played in the nba be a good nba ref? But that is not really the point here.

You are entitled to have any opinion that you want to have, no matter how ludicrous it might be.

[Adam]

New refs always have misconceptions to shed, such as giving too much advantage against pesky but legal defenders.

The higher level the newer official played, the harder those misconceptions are to shed.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by Rich

You are entitled to have any opinion that you want to have, no matter how ludicrous it might be.

And to be a poor writer, even when trying to use big words to make yourself sound intelligent. (I am not talking about you, Rich)

I never played past 7th grade and I like to think I'm pretty capable on the court.

[HokiePaul]

Originally Posted by Adam

New refs always have misconceptions to shed, such as giving too much advantage against pesky but legal defenders.

The higher level the newer official played, the harder those misconceptions are to shed.

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.