IAABO BOARD 10 NEW HAVEN
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012
President’s Message: “Finish strong!” -- Steve Wodarski Hard to believe, but we’re already in the final stage of the regular season. So, my message to you is: “Finish strong.” That’s not just what we tell ourselves as officials, it’s also what coaches are telling their players at this time of year. You may be working games with teams who are trying to get the win they need to qualify for the state tournament. Or, you may be presiding over a game in which one or both teams have already qualified for the tournament but are seeking that extra win they will need to ensure themselves of a home game in the first round. You may work a game with a team that didn’t qualify for postseason but is motivated to be a spoiler. In all cases, those games are important. But so are other games, where tournament status is not the issue. For example, think of the seniors you’ll see who are playing in the last game of their high school careers. Imagine how important that last game is to them. Also, think of a JV game you might have as the season is coming to an end. Some, if not all, of those players are going to give it something extra because they want to impress the coaches and give themselves a better chance to make varsity next year – just as you may be trying to impress our observers so you too can make varsity as an official. The bottom line is, every game is important to the participants, and you MUST treat that game as the biggest game of the season. It is to the players, coaches and spectators involved. As the games dwindle down to a final few, they will ratchet up their intensity and so you must ratchet up your concentration, energy and effort. That said, I have noticed a somewhat disturbing trend during the course of the season among some of our sub-varsity officials, and it needs to be corrected. To put this in context, there’s an old adage that I find is extremely relevant. (cont. on p. 19)
Commissioner’s Commentary: "What will you do to get a little better?” -- John “Bud” Chernovetz That question is a constant for us every year, because every one of us can improve, no matter our years of experience or level of games we’ve worked. That said, I’d like to recap some of the key improvement factors that I talked about at our January 8th meeting – both for the benefit of those who didn’t attend as well as to reinforce the information for those who did attend. I came up with these points as a result of observing a lot of officials this season, and it has become clear to me that we need to make these our “points of emphasis.” First point: When you arrive at the game site, people immediately judge you by your appearance. Which is why you need to look like a professional. This is true for all levels, but especially for JV and varsity officials. Come to the games in “business casual” attire – at the very least – or formal business attire if you can. Granted, if you are trying to make a 3:30 PM freshman or middle school game, you may not be able to change from your work clothes into business attire. But certainly for a 5:30, 6 or 7 PM game, you should have the opportunity to do so and therefore should make the effort. Remember: Perception is reality. Make a good first impression. DO NOT COME TO THE GAME SITE WEARING YOUR UNIFORM. DO NOT LEAVE THE GAME SITE WEARING YOUR UNIFORM. It looks bad and reflects poorly on Board 10. Second point: Three words -- Mechanics, Mechanics, Mechanics. Mechanics are how we communicate on the court with our partners, the scorer and timer, and the coaches and players. Therefore, your mechanics must be precise, clear and correct. By “correct” I mean: Use approved (cont. on p. 19) !
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