Good Pre Game
 

I was wondering what a good pregame would be. Stuff like what you would talk about and stuff like that. Thanks!

Prematch conference with your partner
 

There are several things that are absolute "musts" before working any match:

* How are you going to communicate with each other if a card is needed? Ask for it verbally? Show the card in front of the chest (as the Umpire) to the Referee? Signals - 1 finger for a Yellow card, 2 for red card, 3 for a DQ?

* Do you want help with ball-handling calls (discretely)?

* What about touches - all, none, only rally-ending ones; doubles & four's?

* Necessity of eye-contact with your partner throughout the match, before play begins and after the end of a rally.

* How are you going to help each other to do the best job possible?

These are what I consider to be the most important things that should be discussed with a partner prior to a match. There may be others, but these should get things started.

WHat about when you have the captians and the head coaches right before the start of the game? I am still confused as to what ot say here

Thanks!

Here is my speech:

Captains, coaches, please introduce yourselves to each other (if they haven't already)

Introduce myself and my partner

Define the court and the playable area for the particular facility we are in

Briefly talk about overhead obstructions (mainly basketball backboards that are folded up) end with "play until you hear the whistle"

Confirm with coaches that all players are legally and properly equipped (HS)

Tell captains that no one may participate in the contest with any type of jewlery on (HS) I add; "any body piercings that I can't see, I don't want to know about! This usually gets a chuckle from somebody :)

Tell captains that I expect the players on the court to shag the ball after a rally is concluded....I tell my line judges not to do it.

Any questions?

Toss the coin



I only officiate HS ball, no USVA or college, so this speech is geared to that level. It probably reads longer than it is to say it all. Feel free to use all or any part of it. Whatever you do, I advise to develop a speech that is basically the same each time.

For me:
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Introduction of work crew.

Verification from coaches that captains are legally equipped, and a request for them to double check when we're done to make sure no one slipped anything by them.

Expectations of sportsmanship, (coaches, you lead by example on the bench, captains, you lead by example on the floor) and a reminder of the chain of communication (coach speaks to me, if I'm the R, through the captain, not across the court).

Player expectations (roll the ball under, shag the ball promptly, etc.)

Overview of ground rules.

Ask if the U has anything to add.

Determine team representatives for the coin toss, and remind the coaches to designate team captains on their lineups. Have coin toss, winner's choice of serve or receive.

Good luck, have fun. Start the clock.
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Sometimes it takes a bit, but I start mine a little sooner than some people, so we can start the match at the same time. Better to address as much as you can (quickly) in order to minimize surprises down the line.

Everything that has been posted has been good. I'll add 2.

1. With your partners, if you are the U be sure to ask the R how (s)he plans to let you know if they want your help on a call, i.e. ball handling, OOB, etc. and what they do and do not want help with.

2. With the captains and coaches,try to remember to keep it short and sweet. Three of us were working an all day tourney rotating in and out. The first one that partner #2 did was about 3 minutes long. They didn't listen after about 45 seconds. Always wish them good luck and remind them to have fun.

The Essentials!
 

1 - Introductions all around - players, coaches, officials.
2 - Home has selected which bench?
3 - Are players uniforms and equipment in accordance with the rules?
4 - Any special ground rules? Play until you hear a whistle.
5 - Are there any questions concerning new rules?
6 - Sportsmanship reminder!
7 - Coin Toss - Called in the air and home team captain repeats the visitor's call.
8 - Coaches: be sure rosters are in by 10:00 and lineups by 2:00.Does
9 - Does the Umpire want to add anything?
10 - Good Luck and have a good game!