You Are Only As Good As Your Next Game

I am now completing my 48th year of basketball officiating at all levels: from professional league in Canada and international running basketball; university/college; senior men/women/high school and wheelchair basketball. My first experience with wheelchair basketball was in 1974 at a local level. In 1975 I received accreditation for an IWBF license in Bruges at the first Gold Cup event ever held; what an experience! I even received an award for being the “Best Referee in Arnhem”. I have officiated at championships throughout the world; something I am extremely proud of but, as “good as I was considered to be”, that was “yesterday”.

So arguably, I possess the credentials to speak about this topic: YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR NEXT GAME.

I will outline what I believe are some of the most important elements necessary for success at the international level of officiating. Use those that help your game.

1. Building a Resume
2. How? Learning Experience
3. Apply these experiences at the next game and every following game
4. Exploration-ask/talk to the experienced officials
5. Watch video
6. Be a spectator in other games-watch other officials
7. Seek a mentor
8. Be receptive to “ criticism” always
9. The evaluators are only there to HELP development
10 After your last “good game”-how do you come back?
11 What is your obligation to the next game you are going to do?
12 Don’t LIVE on your reputation
13 Ask the veterans-PICK THEIR BRAINS
14 Composure-Don’t loose it! Remember who is in control
15 Admit if your are wrong (not such a bad thing; in fact it can actually help to develop credibility)
16 Don’t let your “EGO” get in the way when officiating
17 Even “veteran” officials should/must admit to making mistakes
18 Game management (clock awareness, etc).
19 Communication (players/coaches/fans).
20 Getting the call right! (Talk to your partners to confirm)
21 Integrity (make the calls when you have to)
22 Image (what you look like on the floor)
23 Not just making the calls; but getting them right!
24 The three “T’s”-Talk/Technical/Toss-players/coaches

I recognize we all have different perspectives on our own ability as officials; evident with those few recognized at the international level at World Championships but, as I have said before: YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR “NEXT” GAME. Don’t referee on past success; referee for the game that you have been assigned to, and do it like it is your first one where nobody knows you and being acknowledged as a good official is important to your future.

Don Steponchev
Former IWBF Referee

Referee Supervisor