Making the Call

By Michael C. Jones

If you happened to catch highlights of West Virginia’s home basketball victory against Marquette this season, you undoubtedly saw the last few plays of the very close contest. Two late foul calls led one of the broadcasters to criticize the officiating crew for deciding the outcome of the game. This type of statement brings up a very interesting question: “Why do we see obvious fouls fail to be called at the end of games at every level?” According to Barry Alman, a basketball official since 1973, “Officials are reluctant to become the scapegoat for a team’s loss, and others want to hurry up and go home.” Clearly, this is not the ideal method of officiating. Even an inexperienced official understands the importance of integrity. Once it is compromised, all credibility is lost and the job of the officials becomes exponentially more difficult.

How do officials go about changing the perception of “putting their whistles away” during critical moments of games? First, it starts with effective communication. What is deemed a foul at the beginning of the game; is most certainly a foul in the middle of the game. At the end of the contest, it is critical that the calls be consistent. This is established at the onset of the game when the first few calls are made. Once the coaches and players have an understanding of what constitutes a foul, they will usually adjust their game plans accordingly. In fact, a late play call may even be influenced by how the officials have called the game. Jeff Matuszko, Owner of BOSS Officials notes, “There tends to be a hesitation for a number of reasons, depending on the level of play. I think the number one reason is that most officials do not want to make a call that will decide a close game. They want the players to decide… I really think it depends on the level of play and the ability of the ref.”

As an official, it is important to be demonstrative and an effective communicator while on the court. This is why proper hand signals will continue to be stressed as a cornerstone of good communication. The officials must demonstrate intestinal fortitude to make the right call. When the novice officials learn good mechanics and how to decisively communicate their calls, their confidence will be enhanced. It is at this point, that calls can be made with confidence at any point in a game. If a player commits a foul in the final seconds of a game, it is that player, not the official, deciding the outcome of the game. It is up to the official to make the correct call.

Rules and Regulations

How to Call a Foul & Report to the Scorekeeper

How to Administer a Free Throw

Inbounding Guidelines for Fouls

How to Administer a Throw In

The Bump & Run Technique

Recognizing and Beckoning Substitutes

Most Misunderstood Rules

Tips For Being a Successful Official

How to call a foul

1. See the Foul

• Anticipate what might happen. See the illegal contact. Was an advantage gained?
• Take a “mental picture.” Who was fouled? Was it in the act? Don’t guess!

2. Blow Your Whistle

• Blow your whistle - Arm up with a fist (2-3 seconds).
• Verbalize and hand signal to partner (”SHOOTING” or “on the floor”).
• This must be done quickly - don’t make your partner wait!

3. Report the Foul to the Scorer

• Move toward the scorer - get a line of site.
• Always say the color first and then the number of the person who committed the foul.
• Keep your hand away from your face and body. Use only one hand for the number. If the number (digit) is higher than a five, cross hands (5+2=7). If no number, use an identifier.
• If you call a jump-ball (alternate/possession), let the scorekeeper know (ask him).
• If a ball went in say, “count it” at the spot, then again to the scorer. Do not blow your whistle a second time.
• Ask “How many team fouls?” when you report a non-shooting foul. Tell your partner.
• Do not carry the ball when reporting numbers. Toss the ball to your partner.
• Lead and Trail switch if the foul will involve free throws. If it’s a non-shooting foul, stay the same.

4. The Other Ref

• The referee who didn’t make the call should get the ball and line the players up for free throws.
• Keep your eyes on the players for problems/anger/words.

IMPORTANT: Do not argue or explain your judgment calls!

Reporting to the scorekeeper

Remember to use good hand signals and be slow and deliberate. Get some sort of validation (a nod).

1. Verbalize It

• Always say the color first and then the number of the person who committed the foul.
• If a ball went in, tell the scorekeeper to “COUNT IT” before anything else.

2. Show It

• Keep your hand away from your face and body.
• Use only one hand for the number. If the number (digit) is higher than a five, cross hands (5+2=7).
• If no number, use an identifier.

3. Jump Ball

• If you call a jump-ball (alternate/possession), let the scorekeeper know (ask him).

Referee Application

Step One

Send an email to Jeff at bosshoops@yahoo.com. Make sure you include the following information:

• Please provide your full name, address (including zip code), email address, and phone number. Also include the reasons for wanting to join our team and why you would be a positive addition .
• List your officiating experience including: location, level, and dates of any formal training.
• List your projected availability for the next 4 months including the earliest time, per day, you can be at a game site.

Step Two

• Receive and read several emails from BOSS.
• Complete a Personal Information sheet and Risk/Release form.
• Arrange for a short meeting to pick up a training packet.
• Make a strong first impression! Dress casually but professionally and be on time.

Step Two

• After you have studied the information provided in the training packet and have become familiar with the rulebook, you will be asked to observe a few live games.
• Watch the basic positioning and signaling and ask questions of those officiating.
• While observing, you should be able to display a competency in basic signals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is BOSS and what does it do?

A: BOSS is the Best Of San Diego Sports. We assign professionally trained basketball referees to more than 35 facilities for adult and youth leagues and tournaments year round. BOSS has been San Diego’s best source for refferees since the early 1980s.

Q: How can I become a BOSS Official?

A: We’re always looking for new recruits who are available, flexible, organized, open-minded, approachable, and communicative. If you’re over 18, have access to email and reliable transportation, just follow the instructions as seen on our Referee Application page.

Q: Where and when are the games played?

A: BOSS supplies referees to many adult and youth leagues and tournaments throughout San Diego County. Games are played in Scripps Ranch, UTC, Clairemont, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Tierrasanta, Mission Valley, Escondido, Rancho Penasquitos, PB, and Rancho Santa Fe. You can see a list of game sites on the Gym Locations page.

Games are usually played Monday through Thursday 6:00 – 10:00 PM, Saturdays 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (seasonal) and Sundays 4:00 – 10:00 PM (seasonal).

Q: How much money will I make?

A: That depends on your availability, your performances, and demand. The average BOSS official earns $750 per month. Many earn between $1,000 and $1,500 each month.

Q: How and when do I get paid?

A: Many games are paid “cash on the court.” Some games are billed by the month. The billed games (minus the assignor’s fee) are distributed in the form of a check around the 15th of the month.

Q: What will I need to know?

A: You will be taught 2 person floor mechanics, basic rules and signals, and a philosophy of service. You will need to know the BOSS Business Guidelines, Rules and Regulations, Mechanics along with the printed material that is distributed to all BOSS recruits.

Q: How can I prepare myself?

A: Read, review, and highlight the printed material, and study the rulebook. Know the Misunderstood Rules. Observe as many games as possible. Ask questions and practice signals. Use a mirror at home for signals. Adopt officiating terminology. Read the weekly email newsletters. Go to www.officialforum.com.

Q: What uniforms will I need?

A: BOSS officials wear black shoes, white socks, and black shorts (you acquire them). We will sell you striped shirts (with logo) and whistles with lanyards NOW, and a blue jacket (with logo) LATER.

BOSS Guidelines

BOSS BUSINESS GUIDELINES

AVAILABILITY

Open/closed dates communicated via email prior to the 18th.

Be very specific with earliest times or other special circumstances.

Be as open and flexible as possible as it affects your priority status.

ASSIGNMENTS

An “original” assignment sheet is constructed 2 times a month.

DO NOT trade, swap, or give away any assignment.

If you cannot work, you must call 619-252-9778 to “turn-back.”

UPDATES

“Master” schedule emailed Wed/Thur with updates as necessary.

Keep “original” up to date, in binder, using pencil and eraser.

PARTNER CONFIRMATION

Phone all partners 2-3 days prior to the assignment, stating the specific details. Reply back to complete the process.

Call BOSS the night before if partner has not cooperated!

ARRIVAL TIME

Fully dressed and on the court 5 minutes before game-time.

Courtesy call your partner & gym if you cannot arrive early.

If your partner is not in the gym by game time, call 619-252-9778.

Wear jacket until after 1st game’s pre-game with captains.

PRE-GAME

Talk to captains before every game to develop a working relationship.

“We are here for you! We will give you an honest effort and be fair and consistent. We will not defend or explain our judgment calls. We will penalize for profanity, unsporting acts and excessive complaints. Tell your teammates to remove all jewelry. Any questions? Good luck!”

UNIFORM/GEAR

Striped shirt and royal blue jacket (both from BOSS)

Black shorts

All black shoes

White socks (min to be seen 2″ above shoe)

FOX-Pearl whistle (gold)

Gear bag (no backpacks)

3 ringed binder

No watches, hats, or earrings upon arrival.

MONTHLY CHECKS

Distributed around the 15th of the month following services.

Use the following formula to determine your check amount:

1. Add total of billed

2. Add total cash to get gross total

3. Deduct 10% of gross from billed (- $1 for insurance) to get check amount

**Rookies deduct 15% for first 2 calendar months**

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

A mandatory “cyberspace” meeting sent Fridays (read carefully)

Reply due as directed on designated weeks.

PENALITES

There are penalties for the following:

1. Failure to confirm with your partner ($10.00 per violation)

2. Late Arrival ($5.00 under 10 mins, $10.00 up to 30 mins)

3. “No-Show” ($25.00 plus half your game fees)

4. Poor performance or representation (5% additional deduction for 3 months)

INCIDENT REPORT

Both Officials must email/phone BOSS before 11:00 PM

for any fight, ejection, threat, or major problem

Complete and email an incident report within 24 hours.

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