by Kenny Kim
"FOUL! Call the foul, ref! I'm getting hacked like crazy!" -- "Hey, just play the game man, you're getting a fair shake!" This is a typical exchange that takes place between players and referees every time the ball hits the hardwood, and obviously our summer league will be no different. Let's face it, there are going to be some missed calls as well as some bad calls, but this summer let's keep our attitudes in check and give the refs a break.

Having participated in previous summer leagues as both a player and ref, I know what it's like to get smacked in the face and not even get a second look from the ref. It makes my blood boil and my first reaction is to get up in the ref's face. But I've also been on the other side of the coin and having been a ref, I know what it's like to smell someone's stinkin' breathe as they explain to you how a capital crime has been committed against them. No matter how you make the call, there is going to be someone who is upset with you, it really is a "no-win" situation.

One of the biggest complaints about our league is the quality of the refs, and this is also one of the hardest issues to resolve. There are going to be fouls that are not called as well as some that shouldn't have been. It happens in the NBA, it happens on the college and high school level and it will happen in our summerleague. Whether it's an ISHA ref, an NBC paid ref or the guy you just played against that is officiating your game, there are going to be blown calls. It happens! We all know it. But instead of complaining about it, let's just play the game. We are all human and we cannot see everything. If you really think about it, getting angry at them doesn't really resolve the situation. How often does a referee change their call after an argument? Almost never. If anything, you've just become a marked man and they will keep a closer eye on you. One thing we've noticed also is that the players that complain the most are usually the worst refs themselves. So take that into consideration next time you want to make a big argument about a bad call.

Basketball is a competitive sport, there is no doubt about that. We all want to win and look good doing it, so when a call doesn't go our way we get upset. But before we go off on the refs this summer, let's take a moment and remember what's this is all about. Play hard, play fair, meet some new people and have a good time of fellowship!

Helpful tips/suggestions on being a good referee
Here are some tips that may help you to become a better referee. It will give you a better explanation of why it is important, and how to improve that quality in your game.

Consistency: There is nothing worse than a referee that calls one thing at one end, but not at the other. Also, if you are going to call a game loose on one end, you must do the same on the other. It's about showing no favoritism. Also there must be enough communication between referees to ensure that both officials are calling the same things.

Confidence: This cannot be taught, but is vital to being a good referee. If you are hesitant with your call, and blow the whistle softly, no-one will believe that you are positive that you have made the correct call. If you can "sell" a call to a player with a strong whistle and firm, accurate signals, even the most doubting player will walk away thinking "hmm, well maybe I did do that". Obviously this is something that will come with practice, but it also requires that you have faith in your own ability. But it all starts with a firm whistle call.

Communication: This plays a major part in refereeing (and life in general). Communicate with your partner throughout the game, verbally, using body language and by making eye contact. Try and talk players through situations that don't require a whistle. Get to know the players. Build a relationship with them. Let them know that you are not out there to make bad calls against them. Also be sure to communicate with the stats keepers on the sideline. They don't have the gift of prophecy, so you can't expect them to know what calls are made when that whistle is blown. Again, use the whistle. The whistle is there for a reason!

Know the Rules: It helps if you have a sound knowledge of the rules. Since you played in our league already, you'll realize that our rules are slightly different. Knowing the rules is half the battle. Equally as importantly, you must have an understanding of the spirit of the rules. That is, you have to be able to adjust your refereeing to the level of the competition that you are officiating. If people are just having fun and the competition isn't that great, then you can afford to let some things go. But if the game is close on the line and/or players are being physical, then you need to be strict about your calls too. Use your discretion.

Be Human!: It's ok if you make a mistake. Referees are allowed to smile! Also, I have found that making the occasional joke can quickly diffuse a difficult situation. This is especially useful if you already know the people involved well. One word of advice: Do not try to lighten up the situation during an intense game thinking that will change the intensity of the game. Again, you need to exercise your discretion on this. Like we mentioned above, let's not forget the purpose of this league.

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