Small Mechanics tips

[Rob1968]

1) I tell newer officials to "Hit it and spit it." So many newer officials tend to keep the whistle in their mouth too much. I tell them that the whistle should be out at least 1/4 of the time they spend during a game - dead-ball after everything is settled and so forth. It usually helps one relax, and to look more relaxed.
2) On another point, I like to start wide, with my position as Lead and then move in as needed. I see a lot of officials virtually "pinching the paint" continuously, and then when the ball quickly swings down into their deep corner, they find themselves, to some degree, officiating with their back to the basket.
3) When a time-out is granted, I like to verify with my partner(s) the impending disposition of the ball, before we report the time-out to the table, and after the time-out, before we put the ball in play. I'm amazed ot how many officials have never done this, and treat the idea as something entirely new to them.
4) I also verify with my partner(s) the number of shots before we bounce the ball to the freethrower. Not only does it avoid mistakes, it demonstrates our intent to work as a crew, to the players and coaches. I see many officials go through the free throw activity as if they are three separate officials, with no communication at all. The message is picked up by the players that if we don't even want to talk to our partners, we probably won't be amenable to talking to them, either.