Small Mechanics tips

Originally Posted by JRutledge

People do not like officials using a whistle in their pocket for AP situations or gauge.

Who cares what "people" think? (rhetorical question) Two weeks ago I saw the R on a D1 game toss the ball up and immediately switch the whistle in his pocket. He did it on every AP situation too. There is no right way to do it, just opinions on whose way is right.

Originally Posted by Rob1968

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.

I've heard the exact opposite at a college camp. They said unless you need to talk to keep the whistle in your mouth at all times so you can be prepared to blow it if necessary.

Originally Posted by Rob1968

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.

The "deep corner" is not the Lead's area in NFHS/NCAA-M. If the ball is in the corner Lead is usually watching post play or screens right in his area. If the player drives from the deep corner into Lead's area then the Lead can pick that up, but Trail should have that play initially.

Originally Posted by Rob1968

I also verify with my partner(s) the number of shots before we bounce the ball to the freethrower.

Something else I like to do is wait until the calling official signals the number of shots before I do at Lead or C. I always try to signal back in reply.