Becoming referee (not football) ? Share your experience....

[wy906]

I was bored this afternoon and just ‘googling’ randomly; and came across a website adverting referee course (basketball) in my local area.

I used to play basketball to ‘average’ standard (school/college/local teams) when I was younger but I haven’t played in almost 10 years. Never considered about becoming a referee before but thought that could be a good way to get involved.

Any referees here? How did you get started? What’re your tips?

I’m not even sure if this is for me but shall I just enrol and see?

[Tiggsy]

I play in the local league and have to say - I dont know what would make someone be a ref! I just dont get it, if you like the sport...play it!

That said....if your heart is set on it - I'd take a BB ref over any other sport any day of the week.....they dont take much back chat before they start throwing technical fouls against you. In a game there may be two or three occasions where a call is questioned but it dies down pretty quick. I dont think i've EVER questioned a ref and play centre so am always in the middle of dubious calls.

Only down side...its pretty complicated. Just yesterday we had a meeting on the new FIBA rules covering everything from the length of our compression shorts to the variety of ways you can get called for a back court violation! I only know about 50% of the rules!

T

PS. If you do end up doing it PLEASE do this at some point in your career:

Whack! Get Out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in-W5OuCmS4

[z4chris99]

I was toying with the idea for this rugby season as I am recovering from an ACL and won't be playing this season...

would be good for fitness and might make me give the refs less of a hard time in future.... or not

[wy906]

Tiggsy said:

I play in the local league and have to say - I dont know what would make someone be a ref! I just dont get it, if you like the sport...play it!

Combination of old injuries and getting old. And that I simply am not quick anymore. A slow point guard is no use to anyone especially on defence.

[Vocal Minority]

I referreed a rugby game once (informal obviously) and it was like presiding over an 80 minute play time with 30 large, excitable, rough toddlers - all of them all trying to cheat as often as they could.

It's hard work!