10. Answer Reasonable Questions: Treat coaches and players in a
courteous way. If they ask you a question reasonably, answer them
in a polite way. If they get your ear by saying “Hey ref, I want to ask
you something,” and then start telling you off, interrupt and remind
them of the reason for the discussion. Be firm, but relaxed.
11. Choose Your Words Wisely: Don‟t obviously threaten a coach or
player; if you do, that will put them on the defensive. More
importantly, if you threaten, you will have placed yourself on the
spot. If you judge that a situation is serious enough to warrant a
warning, then make it known that it is the only warning, and if it
continues it will be penalized.
BUILDING BETTER
BASKETBALL
ISSUE No. 15
12. Stay Cool: One of your goals is to establish a calm environment for
the game. Spectators, coaches and players easily spot nervous,
edgy officials alike. Avidly chewing gum, pacing around or displaying
a wide range of inappropriate emotions prior to or during a contest
will make you appear to be vulnerable to the pressure.
Summary:
There is no particular personality type more suited to officiating than others.
Studies indicate there is no one desirable personality type that guarantees a
successful, happy, competent official. The twelve points above a just a
summary of the basic principles necessary to produce a competent and
contented on court official.
Remember them, jot them down, and refer to them regularly, just before you
officiate. They will make your task a lot more enjoyable.
References: “Basketball Referee Training Manual” – (Original – Bill Palmer)
What’s your call?
Blue 4 is dribbling the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt.
i. Blue 4, crosses the centre line at an angle and motions along the centre
line, which means the ball is being bounced in the back court while at
least one foot is in the front court. What‟s your call?
ii. Blue 4, with defensive pressure from Red 5 is forced to cease his dribble
and consequently has one foot in the front court while having the other
foot in the back court, the ball is then passed to Blue 7 who is also
straddling the centreline. What‟s your call?
Answer i) The 2008 rule change states the ball and both feet must be in the front
court for the ball to be deemed in the front court. Play on. (FIBA Official
Rules 2008 – Art28.1.3 & Art30.1.2)
ii) Once the ball has been picked up the player is no longer dribbling and if
he is touching the front court then the ball has progressed into the
frontcourt. This is a violation. (FIBA Official Interptns 2008-Art28 / Stat 3)
Personal Performance Principles to Help Prepare a
Basketball Referee
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the right call. Authorized signals as prescribed by rule will add
Preamble:
“A good official must possess a knowledge of the rules and mechanics in working a
basketball game and present an appearance and physical condition that is
commensurate with the demands of a basketball game. He must have sound
judgement and co-operate with his fellow official; exercise an air of calmness and
confidence; and be consistent in his calls.” Dr. Ed Steitz, past editor of US National
Federation Rule Book.
“The ideal sport‟s official; is a saint, no one but a saint would exhibit all of the
psychological traits we expect of a good referee. We want them to be strong
individuals who are extremely confident, and remain in the background during a
game. We also want them to be tolerant, but we want them to be firm enough not to
let potential volatile situations get out of hand.” Dr.R.C.Haywood, a Vocational
Psychologist AT Arizona State University, USA.
The more you delve into the expected qualities and abilities of a good referee, the
more difficult the job seems to be.
The most important element of officiating no matter what the sport or at what level
the job should always be enjoyable. How can we do that?
Enjoyment as a Referee:
If is all too hard why do we take on officiating and more importantly remain involved.
It is interesting to speculate on why officials remain in officiating when the job itself
is so difficult and unrewarding. It is entirely possible that the disagreeable features
of officiating actually become the attraction.
Referees see themselves as technicians of a special kind, of social competence
under stress. In other words, there is a great deal of satisfaction gained from from
the ability to render decisions in difficult situations. A virtual trial by fire. Not
everyone can handle decision making under stress, and although a referee might
not receive much praise for the job he does, he can gain a great deal of self
satisfaction. Self-satisfaction is probably the most important ingredient in any field of
endeavour.
How Can a Referee Continually Prepare to do Their Best?
1. Know the Rules: It is absolutely essential that a referee have a
thorough knowledge of the rules and their application. Learn the
rules, initially from the Official Rule Book, and then from examples
(FIBA Assist magazines or FIBA Official Rule Interpretations) and
real game experiences. If you are uncertain about a rule, research
the answer and seek expert advice. Players practice their craft to be
the best they can. Officials need to be the same. An essential
element of the officiating craft is knowing the rules.
2. Use the Correct Mechanics: To make correct and accurate
decisions and to apply these decisions requires outstanding referee
mechanics. Constant use and study of floor mechanics enables the
referee to be in a position to see what actually happens and make
professionalism to the referee, which will be of assistance to him in
selling his call to player‟s coaches and spectators.
3. Be Competitive: The players give maximum effort; so should you –
every game. Tell yourself „I‟m not going to let this game get away
from me. I am better than that.” You are hired to make the calls that
control the game – Make Them!
4.
Have Your Head on Right: Don‟t think or act as if your uniform
grants you immunity from having to take a little criticism, which goes
with the territory. Plan on it. Effective officials know how much to
take before responding. Knowing where to draw the line is critical.
5. Don’t Set up a Showdown: If a coach is on your back but not
enough to warrant a penalty, stay away from him. This is especially
true during timeouts and other breaks in the action. Standing near an
unhappy coach, just to show him who‟s boss will do nothing but lead
to further tension and acrimony. Some officials develop irritating
habits. Don‟t be one of them.
6. Get into the Flow of the Game: Each game is different. Good
officials can feel that difference. Take note if the tempo of the game
changes. A ragged game calls for a different style of officiating from
a smooth one.
7. Never Bark: You don‟t like to be shouted at, so apply the same
philosophy when dealing with others. Be firm when necessary, but
use a normal relaxed voice. That approach works wonders in helping
you to reduce the pressure. Shouting indicates a loss of control of
both yourself and the game your working.
8. Show Confidence: Cockiness has absolutely no place in officiating.
You want to exude confidence. Your presence should command
respect from the participants. As in any walk of life, appearance,
manner, and voice determine how you are accepted. Try to present
the proper image.
9. Forget the Spectators: As a group, fans tend to exhibit three
characteristics; ignorance of the rules, highly emotional partisanship
and delight in antagonizing the officials. Accepting that will help you
ignore the spectators and concentrate on the job at hand (unless
fans interrupt the game or stand in the way of you during your job.)