Last year I had the opportunity to attend a local referee clinic where extensive use of video was used as a learning tool. Each night the leadership would discuss a different chapter of the rule book, then spend almost an hour watching selected videos of high school officials working local games. I found the format quite effective. Along with the excellent critiques, and suggestions to get better, there were the usual quips and well intentioned light hearted comments. One of those comments stuck with me and I have recently found it to be helpful, "the camera doesn't lie!"
Many readers of this blog, will well remember our local association having invited Bryan Brunette, a well regarded NCAA Division 1 official, to speak at our local clinique in Winston-Salem, NC. Bryan's short speech was right on target. One of the suggestions that he made in response to a question about officials getting better, was to watch yourself on tape.
Sometime ago, I had the opportunity to watch myself on tape, working a local junior varsity game in a two-man crew. As I watched the tape I was reminded of the statement, "the camera doesn't lie!" I will just say it was "an eye opening experience."
In keeping with the goal of this blog-Get The Call Right-I wanted to offer the reader some input and encouragement around the use of video training. For some years now I have been working professionally in adult training, sales and sales management. I have long been familiar with the highly useful benefits of video learning/training. It is an opinion, but a learned one that is supported by literature in performance effectiveness training, that targeted use of video training, and in particular-videos of yourself-is a "must have" in reaching higher performance levels. It is in this regard that I offer the reader some encouragement around this idea.
First of all, I would hope that every official has the desire deep inside him or her to improve what they are doing on the court. The "hunger" to get better each and every night out on the floor is the absolute minimum starting place to reach another level. "Your attitude determines your altitude," (a common sound bite in sales), is so true. Each official determines every night out, what kind of game he/she will have, before ever reaching the floor. Determine that you want to get better.
Next, make a point to get someone to help you get on "tape" at at least one of your games. It does not matter what level you are working for this exercise. That is the beautiful thing in this business-you can look as good or as bad no matter what gym, and what age your are calling. Try to make sure that the camera is on you in a way that gets your whole body in the frame. Getting too close on film is not that much to your advantage-remember the camera "adds ten pounds" and some of us really do not need that. Seriously though, the frame needs to include enough of the court so that you can see and critique things like positioning, closing-down, angle, etc.
Do not worry about being "aware" of the camera. Work the game. Do what you do. Most of the time this will take care of itself. If your games are like my games, you really do not have the luxury of worrying about yourself. The players and especially the coaches will make sure you come back to reality quickly.
Here are some suggestions for your post-game review: first, watch the video from start to finish without taking notes or looking at anything specific. This will be very informative for you. Do not be afraid to laugh, yell, or even cry at what you see. All of us in some ways take ourselves way to seriously, and getting the whole picture first will serve to enhance your learning later. Second, watch the tape a second time looking for the obvious things you want to work on. When being observed by your assignor or a scout for a higher level they will look at many things you can look at on the tape-your appearance, your hustle, your professionalism, your communication to coaches, players, and reporting to the table. You should also be able to observe your position on the floor, whether you move to improve, and your reporting mechanics. If you are lucky, you may even be able to hear your voice if you are prone to using that on the floor. Third, make a short list of things you want to watch for and improve. Watch the video a third time looking for examples of this short list. Be honest with what you see. If you like something make a note, if you see something that needs work list that as well.
Looking for specific behaviors, mechanics, or positions is a proven technique in this type of training. You may even want to keep tally marks for certain behaviors you repeat on the floor. This type of review can help you quickly identify strengths and weaknesses.
Now, take the courageous step. Honestly develop a list of things you did well, and things you want to improve. Then, with intent, go practice or look up what you need to be doing before you go to the next game. Take a short list to the game in your bag. Remind yourself in the car before you go in of the things you really want to work on that night. Work your next game or games with intent and focus on what is on your list. Practice things in the mirror until they become a habit or second nature to you.
If possible, get back on tape after a few weeks or games. Enjoy looking at your improvements. Go back through the above process striving to get better.
And as always, work to-Get The Call Right!
