It’s very important to have Court Awareness when you are officiating at any level. This summer is the time to practice it. Here is a list of Court Awareness items:
1. When you are going from T-L are you looking over your shoulder finding your clock(s) and officiating your last defender or the defender that can you the most.
2. Are you are identifying match-ups as the game starts and moves on and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each player.
3. On drives to the basket are you finding the help defender(s) as the Lead Official.
4. Are you recognizing substitution patterns for each team and recognizing how it’s changing the personality of the game.
5. When the ball is in the middle of the lane are you officiating the defender closest to you.
Dead Ball Officiating:
Dead Ball Officiating has become a lost “art” in my opinion at all levels.
1. On out of bounds plays, don’t turn your back or follow your hand. Keep an eye on the players that are in your area.
2. When switching on fouls, observe all the players, especially if you are the non-calling official.
3. On free throws, the crew of officials cannot turn their back on players.
4. When calling a travel, double-dribble, player control/team control foul, don’t turn away from the players.
5. In all situations, don’t turn your back on the players.
6. On timeouts, keep your eyes on the players has they go to their respective benches.