Basketball Pregame
1. 5 points to a great pregame
a) Work the correct mechanics system. Know your areas
b) Trust your partner to take care of their area. Believe in each other.
c) Have good clock management skills. Know the correct time.
d) Referee the defense. Recognize the play, let the play happen, let the play finish, then make the call. Have a patient whistle.
e) Dead-ball efficiency. Seek help when you need it.
2. Review new rules. KNOW YOUR RULES. Know the intent of the rule, not just the rule in the book.
3. Talk with your timer and scorer prior to the start of the game.
4. Review points of emphasis.
5 Set the tempo of the game from the opening tip with quality fouls. Stay consistent.
After a whistle(foul or violation) stay with the play. Know what the players are doing on the floor.
6. Review floor mechanics. Don’t be lazy. Use proper mechanics. Look sharp. Hustle
7. Work hard on off-ball coverage. Use wide angle vision.
8. Discuss how you will handle double whistles.
9. Reward the defense for good position.
10. Reward players for verticality.
11. See the whole play.
12. Recognize when traveling occurs and when is doesn’t occur.
13. Discuss how you will handle last second shots for each quarter.
14. Be aware of team and personal fouls, score and time.
15. Communicate with your partner both visually and verbally.
16. Talk about handling players and coaches. People skills!
17. Have a strong whistle.
18. Have courage. Make the tough call
19. Know how you will handle timeouts, 5th fouls, and technical fouls.
20. Don’t go looking for things. Let the players determine the outcome of the game. Call what needs to be called. Don’t anticipate.
21. If you kick a call admit it and move on. Continue to officiate!
22. Leave the floor together knowing you did a great job!