Can you all tell me some of the things that you do to prepare for the upcoming basketball season?

I say this every year, but I think it's really important, especially for the newer guys/gals. The best preparation for the upcoming season (and the only preparation that I do) is to cut down on the nachos and beer. ;)

Or the diet coke, with tofu and bean sprouts. Definitely not good for you!

I know a guy who ate Taco Bell as his pre-game meal, before his 1st varsity game! Needless to say he had a sh*tty night

In my opinion the best thing you can do to prepare for the season is to carefully read the newest version of the rule book and case book. Conditioning is certainly important, but without a comprehensive understanding of the rules being in good shape is a waste of time.

I'm sure you'll get some sarcastic replies (not from me, of course), and I'm sure you'll get some really good suggestions on conditioning, etc. But - here's something I recommend that usually is overlooked. Check your equipment (no - not that equipment - although that's not a bad idea also). I mean try on your uniform to see if it still fits, check for wear and tear, make sure your whistles aren't all chewed up, etc.

Most important - check your shoes. Don't just try them on, actually wear them for a little while. Are they still comfortable? Do you need new insoles? Do they need polishing and/or deodorizing? If they don't smell fresh, try putting them on an air conditioning vent overnight (really). This is a great trick when you are on the road.

Also check your bag to make sure it is stocked with the essentials (don't forget Bactine and Band-Aids).

Yesterday, I checked my jerseys and found one had a dime-sized hole under one of the arms. I guess I'll have to ask my wife (yeah, suuuuuure) to sew it. I'd do it myself, but I'd probably sew the sleeve to the Smitty loop or something.

I agree re-reading the latest rule book and situations is very important--i also lift some weights and do some running just to make sure i am in shape-one of my pet peeves is officials who do not look like they are in shape-i think the fans/coaches etc get a negative first impression if you don't look in shape--
Also try and get in as many early season scrimages as you can-

lose 10 pounds
start running
check my uniform and bag
clear my calendar
find a good babysitter (usually the most difficult task)
freeze some dinners for the kids
get my car looked at
find some hoppin' tunes for the car
watch a few game tapes (not me!! NCAA games that were on TV)
talk to my mentor
track down a few rec games for early November

I've seen the new diet vanilla coke, but not this tofu and bean sprout thing. Is it any good? :D

The football season gets me a pretty good shape before the season. I do work out a little, but I really do not have to that much. I am already in great shape.

I also go to as many basketball meetings as I possibly can. I belong to more than one association, but I try to go to them all, just to get me thinking more and more of basketball during the football season. Meetings start in early October.

Other than that, I go to a yearly clinic run by an organization called IACAO. Not only are their vendors at this clinic to buy stuff, but it kind of signifies the start of the basketball season for many.

Peace

I've seen the new diet vanilla coke, but not this tofu and bean sprout thing. Is it any good? [/B][/QUOTE]It's quite popular with yuppie scum and BoSox fans,actually. Of course,designer water is also optional as a replacement for the diet coke.

I usually don't think about getting ready for the season until I get to my first meeting in October. The physicial conditioning should have been done all summer long. It wasn't? I just got my eyes checked, I will probably get a physical. I will next check my bag to see if I need any new equipment. More whistles, pants, shirts, socks, shoes, etc. Now, to make sure I have enough money in my account to pay local dues.8-0

:D

I get my wife, neighbours, and co-workers to help me out by taking a bit of time each day to heap criticism and verbal abuse on me.

I also leaf through the rulebook and review some old exams.

Oh yeah, polish my shoes.

BTW, you guys, quit knocking tofu! It's actually pretty good!

To-fooey!

The Vanilla Coke would be great. . .if they just left out the Vanilla. Bleh :mad:

I don't do tofu.