Some Thoughts At Mid-Season

I want to direct you to a terrific presentation called 'How To Be A Great Partner'on ABOA's website, refalberta.ca. It's from the ABOA Clinic Oct 4 by FIBA Official,Dawna Townsend, who refereed at the Beijing Olympics. It's short and sweet,but very powerful and applicable to all ABOA members.I've been thinking a lot about this since it was presented and as this season hasunfolded, in particular at the ACAC level this season. There's been a lot of discussion and criticism about the ACAC protocols, in particular, the post gamehandshake. I know the ABOA Executive, especially VP Brian Kannekens mustcringe when another email pops up with this heading. But the intent of theprotocol was made in good faith at the ACAC's request to improve relationsbetween coaches, players and fans towards officials. After last season when ABOA withdrew services, we were prepared to listen to all suggestions and givethis effort a fair chance. I'll be the first to admit it's had its challenges, but aswith all change or new processes, there will be a learning curve and a certainamount of fear and trepidation. Dawna's presentation provides some food forthought for those still on the fence about this, especially the opening slide whichstates,

' The goal is to make the whole greater than the sum of itsparts.'

Can any of us really argue that the game could use a big dose of civilityand good sportsmanship? While I'm not sure these protocols are the answer, I'mwilling to give them a fair shot at success. I know many long-time basketballfans are noticing this effort by the officials to stay after the game as a positivestep and an example that puts the game and the players first.Certainly we have detractors but they are mostly from the old school that believecoaches and officials will agree to disagree in or after the heat of battle. Part of me does accept this as reality but that is not the philosophy the ACAC, as aleague, wants to continue to reinforce. And when we really examine what'simportant, where does the outcome of a college basketball game fit in?I also thought of another presentation on 'Partnering' by our friend and formermember, Clarke Stevens, now a WNBA and NCAA Div 1 official living in Phoenix.I'm including this again to add to what Dawna has said.There is a lot of wisdom here for those who truly want to get 'to the next level',whatever that might be, by looking in the mirror and doing what may be hard,but necessary for improving your skills and on court performance.So here it is again as a great refresher, and don't forget to go towww.refalberta.ca. My editorial comments follow in brackets.

Partnering

describes the way we interact and relate to our fellow officials. Generally,we think of it in terms of what we do on the floor. The following ideas demonstrate a

broader vision

, one that includes

attitude, demeanor and character.

Partnering isa verb and therefore calls us to action. Partnering is:

Stepping outside our comfort zone

and doing whats right for the situation,our partners and the game. (Refereeing challenges us to do what few are willingand able, that is make decisions that upset 50% of the people right off the top.This is uncomfortable but comes with the territory, but we do our best becausewe know it's right for the situation. Knowing when your partner needs your helpin secondary coverage versus trusting their position and judgment is the mark of a great partner. While it can create some discomfort, it is a skill we all need tostudy and work at.)2.

Preparing ourselves mentally

so that the anxiety resulting from a natural fearof failure does not paralyze us but mobilizes us to succeed. (This is necessary toavoid the mid game lapses in concentration or the 'deferring to the senior official'scenarios that are occurring too frequently, especially in 3-person crews. Oncethe toss goes up, we're all equal, with the same coverage, judgment and gamemanagement responsibilities.)3.

Maintaining perspective

... that the game is not here for us...we are here forthe game. (Bringing your best to every game, every time is expected. So is beingconfident in your abilities. But your efforts must be for the right reasons.Officiating is not an individual sport, it is preparing yourself to fit in with theother one or two officials as a solid team.)4.

Allowing our competitiveness

to show itself through being the best "I" canbe,

not

by being better than "you". (Instead of asking 'why', change thequestion to 'how'? As in 'how can I improve so that my calls are accepted andmake the game better'? Instead of 'why does my partner get better assignmentsthan me'? Complaining disguised as competitiveness amplifies frustration,spreads discontent and creates discord. It never meets a need or creates abenefit.)5.

Recognizing that each one of us

...although we've arrived on differentpaths...have earned our place. (Too often in our officiating community we aresilent in victory and outspoken in defeat. We can be quick to criticize, oftenwithout basis in fact, acting on emotion and getting personal. Instead let's try tobe more objective, to offer critiques without so much negativity and with aneffort to help and encourage. Also keep in mind, do you have the insight andperspective to speak credibly.)6.

Checking our egos

to make sure we are not trampling over others. (Egos?Referees don't have egos, do we? Self explanatory point, I believe.)7.

Giving and receiving

feedback professionally and respectfully. (Goes to theprevious point #5, but also it's important to receive criticism without reactingdefensively or allowing our emotions to blind us from any morsels of hard truthsand being truly honest with ourselves. We don't need to accept brutality, but weshould embrace criticism when given with compassion and sincerity as a way togrow and improve ourselves.)