TX officials - Lewisville/GSOA camp?

[SWMOzebra]

For the past few summers I've made it a habit to only attend the camps of assigners for whom I work. It's certainly helped my game schedule, but since I'm only seeing clinicians I take the floor with during the season ... I don't feel like I'm being pushed and thus not really improving. Long story short, I'm heading to Lewisville and a brand new camp experience (for me) in a couple of weeks. Sometimes you just have to break out of your comfort zone, right?

Any info would be appreciated; ie, level of play (presume BV or maybe some GV?), showers and locker rooms available, that kind of thing. I know it's a quality camp, just trying to get a feel for some of the smaller details.

Thanks in advance!

[MathReferee]

Originally Posted by SWMOzebra

For the past few summers I've made it a habit to only attend the camps of assigners for whom I work. It's certainly helped my game schedule, but since I'm only seeing clinicians I take the floor with during the season ... I don't feel like I'm being pushed and thus not really improving. Long story short, I'm heading to Lewisville and a brand new camp experience (for me) in a couple of weeks. Sometimes you just have to break out of your comfort zone, right?

Any info would be appreciated; ie, level of play (presume BV or maybe some GV?), showers and locker rooms available, that kind of thing. I know it's a quality camp, just trying to get a feel for some of the smaller details.

Thanks in advance!

Games will be at a variety of high schools/middle schools in the area so shower facilities, etc. will vary by game site. Every site will have a place to get dressed for men and women, although they may vary in level of comfort. The high schools in the area are generally nice. Since all of our games are not at the same site, I have 'comfortable' clothes to use when going between sites, but you are still expected to look somewhat presentable. You can simply stay in uniform between sites if you prefer. Shorts and a polo shirt is acceptable attire for meetings although you will earn brownie points for full suits.

Level of play will also vary between boys freshman through varsity, but there will not likely be any girls games. The top flight boys games can be very good (more like JuCo) and in general the teams are pretty good for their respective levels. I will say that the level of games you receive will depend on which side of GSOA you are on (men's, women's, or non-staff). Typically, those not on staff do not have as high a level of games as those on staff. The Big 12 camp has also been run at the same time as this camp in the past, so if that is the case again this year, then the Big 12 guys will get the top flight games.

[SWMOzebra]

Thanks for the info, it's appreciated. I'm looking forward to the experience.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by SWMOzebra

Thanks for the info, it's appreciated. I'm looking forward to the experience.

Always good to attend a camp away from your general geographic location. Exposes you to different philosophies, mechanics, and expectations.

Every year since 2009 I've attended at least one camp that I've had to travel for.

[The_Rookie]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Always good to attend a camp away from your general geographic location. Exposes you to different philosophies, mechanics, and expectations.

Every year since 2009 I've attended at least one camp that I've had to travel for.

GREAT ADVICE!! Something I do every year as well

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Every year since 2009 I've attended at least one camp that I've had to travel for.

I travel for every one of my camps, typically in my car.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by AremRed

I travel for every one of my camps, typically in my car.

But it often doesn't get called.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by AremRed

I travel for every one of my camps, typically in my car.

I have to travel because I'm not a big fan of the camp that I host in my home.

[jpgc99]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Always good to attend a camp away from your general geographic location. Exposes you to different philosophies, mechanics, and expectations.

Every year since 2009 I've attended at least one camp that I've had to travel for.

I agree with this. I've attended camps in five very distinct geographic areas, mostly as a result of moving around a bit for work. The difference in philosophy is one piece, but what I have found even more helpful is the points of emphasis of different regions.

For better or worse, at the lower college levels we work in a very regionalized environment where many of the same officials work multiple conferences. This keeps philosophy and points of emphasis relatively consistent in each region. Going outside of that area will introduce you to new ideas and new ways of looking at plays.

A lot of philosophy will be the same, but officiating points of emphasis will vary and you will probably pick something up to help you officiate a certain type of play.