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

[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.