Smart or Good Referee
The difference between a 'good' basketball referee and a 'smart' one
Years ago, when I was a rookie basketball referee, during the half-time of a close game, the referee observer told me you are a good ref, but not a smart one! You called three consecutive fouls on the same player. Please be a smart referee.”
At that moment, not realising what he meant, I gave no response. This was in 1996 and now it is 2007. After 11 years, I can clearly understand what he meant and would like to tell you the experience. It is all about being a good referee or a smart one. You have to choose one of them.
A smart (!) referee
1. Dreads taking responsibility at critical times.
2. Does not share his knowledge and experience with his colleagues.
3. Is alone.
4. Is selfish and calls only the violations and fouls in his area. He does not support his partners.
5. Uses players and coaches for his purposes.
6. Is like a chess player. He always plans each and every step.
7. Counts his every call. Example, how many fouls he called for a team or a player.
8. Uses his preference in favor of the home team or the team which is stronger.
9. Can be used by others.
10. Sees himself above the game.
'If you want to have a long and respected career in refereeing, you have to apply the principles of a “good referee”. The choice is yours'
A good referee
1. Takes responsibility in critical times.
2. Shares his knowledge and experience with his colleagues.
3. Is a team member.
4. Cares about his partners. He pays attention not only to his area but also out of his area.
5. Doesn’t 'use' players and coaches. On the contrary, he helps them.
6. Is like a backgammon player. He officiates spontaneously.
7. Doesn’t keep a record of his calls.
8. Uses his preference on the favor of basketball. He always supports fair play.
9. Never lets others use him.
10. Knows that the game is more important than him.
It is possible to continue both lists. However, what I want to emphasise is; you can deceive yourself and the participants in the game only up to a point. Moreover, by "smart" refereeing, you can only be a successful and top-level referee for a short time. If you want to have a long and respected career in refereeing, you have to apply the principles of a “good referee”. The choice is yours.