If you see it, you will believe it.

 

     Let's face it, how many of us really like to see ourselves on video tape? Not many. However, it is a wonderful tool to improve as on official and the camera doesn't lie. "If you see it you will then believe it."

Almost every camp that is offered to officials includes the process of being video taped during live games. Camp clinicians have learned the value of providing footage of officials in action to review and critique. We all get plenty of verbal input during our development as an official, but nothing drives the point home more than seeing our own performance. Our referee association (SCBOWBO) owns two video cameras and can arrange to have you taped during the season if you request it. It is a great service that our association provides and you will not regret it if you take advantage of it. There are also some other officials (Dave Muscatell and Kevin Erickson come to mind) that have their own video equipment who will come to a game and video tape you as well. If you request, they will also do some narration while they tape you which is a valuable addition to the experience as well.

Being videotaped can (and should) go beyond fun and games. Rather than watching your tape as a "fan," you need to watch it is if you are being the most picky and critical evaluator of officials ever. Reviewing quality tapes is one of the best ways to improve yourself in the off-season. You have probably viewed some training videos at an association meeting as part of your education, but imagine how much more educational it can be when you are learning through watching your very own mechanics, call selection, communication and positioning.

Video is a great tool for apprentice referees who are just getting started. However, many veteran officials fail to take advantage of the opportunity to get taped. Whether it is identifying some bad habits that have been picked up or just "cleaning up" some mechanics that have become less than crisp, veteran officials can ALWAYS learn from being video taped. Officials who are going to be working a state tournament would be wise to watch video tape of their performance as well, because everyone who goes to state is a good ref and small things can make a huge difference there. Get taped towards the beginning of the season and then again towards the end of the season and see how much improvement you have made. Imagine how amazing you could be as an official if you made that much improvement every year.

Officials must humble themselves and be open to constructive criticism when viewing a tape. The first time I watched myself on tape I wanted to quit. I couldn't believe how funny I ran, how my bald spot was so revealing and how much larger my stomach was than I had expected. Once I made it past the initial horror, I either had to shut it off or get down to business. I chose to get down to business and do everything I could to improve my presentation on the court.

Start with the basics when viewing a tape. DO I look like an athlete who moves with long strides and with purpose or do I look like a zebra geek who is moving around aimlessly and lazily? Do my clothes fit well? Are my pants too long or too short? In short, what image am I projecting before I even blow my first whistle? Do I need to use this tape for motivational weight control by admitting that I need to drop a few pounds?

Next, move on to the mechanics and communication that you are using. Are my whistles firm and sharp? Are my mechanics matching the NFHS signals as shown in the officials manual? Am I communicating each call with my partner and making it obvious what he/she should do next or am I leaving them hanging? Do I sell the tough calls? Do I avoid selling the routine calls so that I have that "hard sell" when I need it? In short, what kind of "story" am I telling when I use signals and mechanics?

Notice some more subtle things on the tape as well. Emotions, for instance. Are you making facial expressions that would be best not shown? Is your body language leaving some things to be desired? When your partner makes a tough call, is your body language showing that you are a supportive partner or are you showing some doubt? When the game gets intense, are you tensing up or are you still giving off a relaxed and confident presence? How are you reacting to a coach or a player that challenges a call. Are you staying calm like the "eye of the storm" while the coaches and players and fans are getting caught up in the excitement? In short, are you presenting a confident and professional appearance?

In conclusion, seeing (and believing) yourself on video tape is the first step towards significant improvement. Take the first step and request your association to video tape one of your games. If you use that tape as constructive criticism, you will be able to make huge strides in improving your game.