Old NOOB looking for advice
 

I've been reffing for some 20+ years, but since I've been connected to a private middle school system, I've been doing almost exclusively 5th-8th grade games, to the tune of 60 games a year. I've attended one reffing clinic, maintained state licensure, and reffed probably a half dozen high-school games in that time. I now have a regular partner who is young and gung-ho to start doing more high school games. We've been working together for about two years now, and have pretty good chemistry. So starting tomorrow we're picking up some JV and Frosh games. I was hoping some of you vets would share some good advice for someone like myself who's going to have to adjust his game from grade school to high school.

Thanks!

First and foremost, and most obviously, the game will be faster.

Also, I would think the coaches would be more "involved" at the high school level. Be prepared to talk with coaches more and have a game plan for dealing with confrontation.

Your mechanics need to be sharp. Not that they're not already, I'm sure they are.

Also, I see you're in Wisconsin, so make sure you know when the captain's meeting happens, when you intro yourself to the coaches, etc.

My guess is that Freshman basketball is not much different from 8th grade basketball. Make sure you hustle and work hard. Officiate your area of responsibility. Call the POEs. Protect your ball-handlers. Protect your shooters. Communicate with your partner(s). Don't let the table screw up your game (this is a much bigger concern at the Freshman level than at the varsity level).

Good luck!

Thanks! Do they DO captain's meetings sub-varsity here in Wisconsin?

In my area, yes. I'm still new to the area, though, so I can't speak to yours or other areas.

Short List ...
 

Maybe you're doing these already in your middle school games, but if not:

Switch when you're supposed to switch on fouls. Get into correct positions during time outs. No short cuts on throw in situations, put the ball in play where it's supposed to be put in play. Check the book before the game. Find out what the other officials in your area are wearing to games (uniform, business casual, or sloppy casual) and dress accordingly. Confirm games with schools. Find out if the other officials in your area wear jackets pregame, and get one if necessary. Find out from other officials in your area what the "When in Rome ..." fashion police policies are, and interpret accordingly. Be ready to officiate above the rim (basket interference, goaltending, rim hanging, etc.).

Regardless of what other areas do, try to talk to your partner and TREAT it like your varsity game. Get on the floor a bit earlier, get captains, wear jackets, don't go dressed in uniform to these games. Ask where your locker room / shower is if it doesn't seem like they're going to give you one.

+1

Good point about not going dressed in uniform before a game. A year ago or so our third came in dressed but got splashed with dirty snow from a vehicle driving by as he was walking in the parking lot. He tried to clean it off best he could but it didn't look good.

And of course double check to make sure you have all parts of your uniform.

One of the three at the game I broadcasted last night forgot his pants, had to officiate in khaki pants. That would throw me off big time...but credit to him, I thought he was the best official of the group last night.

A Brown Belt ???
 

Did he wear a belt?

No belt!!

An official who's new to our area, but came with several years experience, was told to go "beltless" . . . Yup, Tuesday I followed his game, and there he was with belt loops on his pants, but no belt . . . Go figure!

What A Good Boy ...
 

He literally did what he was told.

Tell him that, according to local guidelines, he'll also have to go pealess, and see if he gets a bladder infection.