THE 5 "P's" OF GREAT OFFICIATING

The amount of, or the depth of understanding of the following topics are what in my thinking separate the beginner from the mediocre, the mediocre from the good and the good from the truly exceptional basketball official.

POISE
“Freedom from affectation: dignity of manner, assurance and composure.”

Foundation on which everything else is built
Confident
Looking as though you have been there before
Calm
Unhurried
Builds confidence with coaches and players
 

PRESENCE or Presence of Mind
“The ability to think and act efficiently under pressure”

The hardest to learn
Being in tune with the inner game.
Officiating within the realm of the players ability
Knowing what is happening in the game
Knowing what might happen in the game
Knowing what has been called and on whom
Not officiating in a vacuum
Knowing what your partner can see
Knowing when to go out of your primary
Knowing the score, time remaining, foul count, AP, who is in foul trouble, who is scoring the points, what defense, what offense, who will screw up this game, who will want a TO, who is going to slap on the press and when, who is agitated and why and a myriad of other things.
Anticipation
 

POSITION
“The ability of being in the right place at the right time”

Work, hustle, speed
An understanding of where to be, when
Angles
Open looks
Timing
Width
Cushion
Being still as much as possible
Knowing what kind of look you have


PRESENTATION
“A performance”

You are an actor
You must make your audience believe your performance
These help!
    Know the rules
    Be in position
    See the whole play
Style
Confident
Smooth
Fluent
Athletic
Sell when appropriate
Arrogance doesn’t play.
 

THE PATIENT WHISTLE
“Waiting to the last millisecond before sounding the whistle on a foul or violation.”

It is the number one thing that separates the exceptional from the rest of us.
The shinning star of the Triangle of Judgment!  Rules, Position and seeing the entire play.

Wait it out
Have a wait and see attitude
“Show me the money”
Anticipate the play not the foul
Get the thief coming out the back door with the TV
Make them think you missed it
Make them change your mind
80/20 Theory...80% good block & 20% foul is a no-call
Have a patient whistle