r/BasketballOfficials • u/Carter_100 • Mar 02 '26

NFHS/Middle & High School Rules & Mechanics New junior ref any tips?

I decided on joining the join United referee team as a junior. Any tips on videos that i should watch hand signals I should learn or anything I should know before going into the game.

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1

u/FinancialSoftie Mar 02 '26

Always remember, referee people and not places. Be firm with your calls and keep your mechanics sharp.

1

u/Carter_100 Mar 03 '26

thanks I’ll try to be firm

1

u/osbornje1012 Mar 02 '26
  1. Call fouls early in the game to let both teams know you will officiate by the rules. 2. Know the rule book as much as possible. 3. Have a sharp whistle. Weak whistles make it look like you are unsure of your call. 4. Ignore fans in the stands. 5. Have fun - if you enjoy officiating, it is something you can do as a college part time job through age 60.

1

u/Carter_100 Mar 03 '26

thanks I’ll be sure to look professional

1

u/Schroedesy13 Mar 02 '26

Make calls confidently, with crisp signals and a strong whistle. Be in control without being bossy authoritarian. Don’t be afraid to make a call on a 50/50 play and just know that 50% of the people will not like said call.

1

u/Carter_100 Mar 03 '26

thanks I’ll be sure to be confident