I am better than THAT guy

[Terrapins Fan]

I hear that all of the time. This is my 14th year refereeing. I was elected to our executive board for the 1st time at the end of last season.

I love being a part of the board, it gives me the chance to represent the members and their view on issues and to help the members get the games they deserve.

For years, it looked like those who were on the board got all the "best" games and the rest were given to the the rest of "us". I had that point of view. But from the inside it is different.

Our board formed an evaluation committee, it consisted of 20 more senior and experienced officials. We have gotten evaluations from only 5 of those members. 15 said they would help and did nothing.

From those evaluations, I see so many referees that are sloppy and don't care about their craft. We are mid way through the year, every member should be getting better, but they are not. They are getting sloppy. They are going through the motions but without proper mechanics.

I refereed a freshman game yesterday, it did it the same way I would a varsity game. My partner ( a 2nd year guy ) did a better job than guys who have 15 years experience. Literally.

While I was happy to have a partner who really tried, I am disappointed with the guy with 15 years experience who complains that he is not getting post season assignments.

Ask yourself, are you better this year than you were last year? Are you using the proper mechanics? Are you communicating with your partner? Are you paying attention to the game? Or are you the guy who comes into the gym and can't wait to get paid?

I don't think those who read this board fall into those categories, you are here to learn to improve, we need to get your partners here, so they too can take pride in being a basketball referee. Don't keep this as your little secret, share it. It will improve your game if your partner improves.