2009 Thoughts At Mid Season

Some Thoughts At Mid-Season I want to direct you to a terrific presentation called 'How To Be A Great Partner' on ABOA's website, refalberta.ca. It's from the ABOA Clinic Oct 4 by FIBA Official, Dawna Townsend, who refereed at the Beijing Olympics. It's short and sweet, but very powerful and applicable to all ABOA members. I've been thinking a lot about this since it was presented and as this season has unfolded, in particular at the ACAC level this season. There's been a lot of discussion and criticism about the ACAC protocols, in particular, the post game handshake. I know the ABOA Executive, especially VP Brian Kannekens must cringe when another email pops up with this heading. But the intent of the protocol was made in good faith at the ACAC's request to improve relations between coaches, players and fans towards officials. After last season when ABOA withdrew services, we were prepared to listen to all suggestions and give this effort a fair chance. I'll be the first to admit it's had its challenges, but as with all change or new processes, there will be a learning curve and a certain amount of fear and trepidation. Dawna's presentation provides some food for thought for those still on the fence about this, especially the opening slide which states, ' The goal is to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.' Can any of us really argue that the game could use a big dose of civility and good sportsmanship? While I'm not sure these protocols are the answer, I'm willing to give them a fair shot at success. I know many long-time basketball fans are noticing this effort by the officials to stay after the game as a positive step and an example that puts the game and the players first. Certainly we have detractors but they are mostly from the old school that believe coaches and officials will agree to disagree in or after the heat of battle. Part of me does accept this as reality but that is not the philosophy the ACAC, as a league, wants to continue to reinforce. And when we really examine what's important, where does the outcome of a college basketball game fit in? I also thought of another presentation on 'Partnering' by our friend and former member, Clarke Stevens, now a WNBA and NCAA Div 1 official living in Phoenix. I'm including this again to add to what Dawna has said. There is a lot of wisdom here for those who truly want to get 'to the next level', whatever that might be, by looking in the mirror and doing what may be hard, but necessary for improving your skills and on court performance. So here it is again as a great refresher, and don't forget to go to www.refalberta.ca. My editorial comments follow in brackets. Partnering describes the way we interact and relate to our fellow officials. Generally, we think of it in terms of what we do on the floor. The following ideas demonstrate a broader vision, one that includes attitude, demeanor and character. Partnering is a verb and therefore calls us to action. Partnering is:

1. Stepping outside our comfort zone and doing whats right for the situation, our partners and the game. (Refereeing challenges us to do what few are willing and able, that is make decisions that upset 50% of the people right off the top. This is uncomfortable but comes with the territory, but we do our best because we know it's right for the situation. Knowing when your partner needs your help in secondary coverage versus trusting their position and judgment is the mark of a great partner. While it can create some discomfort, it is a skill we all need to study and work at.) 2. Preparing ourselves mentally so that the anxiety resulting from a natural fear of failure does not paralyze us but mobilizes us to succeed. (This is necessary to avoid the mid game lapses in concentration or the 'deferring to the senior official' scenarios that are occurring too frequently, especially in 3-person crews. Once the toss goes up, we're all equal, with the same coverage, judgment and game management responsibilities.) 3. Maintaining perspective... that the game is not here for us...we are here for the game. (Bringing your best to every game, every time is expected. So is being confident in your abilities. But your efforts must be for the right reasons. Officiating is not an individual sport, it is preparing yourself to fit in with the other one or two officials as a solid team.) 4. Allowing our competitiveness to show itself through being the best "I" can be, not by being better than "you". (Instead of asking 'why', change the question to 'how'? As in 'how can I improve so that my calls are accepted and make the game better'? Instead of 'why does my partner get better assignments than me'? Complaining disguised as competitiveness amplifies frustration, spreads discontent and creates discord. It never meets a need or creates a benefit.) 5. Recognizing that each one of us...although we've arrived on different paths...have earned our place. (Too often in our officiating community we are silent in victory and outspoken in defeat. We can be quick to criticize, often without basis in fact, acting on emotion and getting personal. Instead let's try to be more objective, to offer critiques without so much negativity and with an effort to help and encourage. Also keep in mind, do you have the insight and perspective to speak credibly.) 6. Checking our egos to make sure we are not trampling over others. (Egos? Referees don't have egos, do we? Self explanatory point, I believe.) 7. Giving and receiving feedback professionally and respectfully. (Goes to the previous point #5, but also it's important to receive criticism without reacting defensively or allowing our emotions to blind us from any morsels of hard truths and being truly honest with ourselves. We don't need to accept brutality, but we should embrace criticism when given with compassion and sincerity as a way to grow and improve ourselves.)

8. Sincerely celebrating the success and accomplishments of others. (We all need a pat on the back once in awhile. Don't save it for the big victories, like getting selected for the championship final. Celebrate small successes with your partners as well by complimenting good positioning or hustle, sound judgment, or a great call in each and every game.) 9. Contributing to the quality of others' experiences because any group or community that works together cannot live in a bubble and be effective. (It's easy to question or challenge those in positions of responsibility and authority, whether behind someone's back or head on. That's what society seems to expect now as the norm. Watching two elections recently are perfect examples where tearing the other down is more commonly accepted than offering sound solutions of your own. It's also much less gratifying to offer support and understanding for someone else's suggestions and do your part to see it through for the benefit of all. Cooperation with those in the service of others and showing gratitude for their contributions is necessary for effectiveness.) 10. Accepting responsibility for ourselves....including our circumstances, decisions and attitude. Who we are and what happens to us is not someone else's fault. We solve problems instead of pointing fingers. (I take this to mean....as officials we dutifully and gratefully accept the challenge of doing a difficult thing well. It's not referring to optimism here, but nevertheless we see the glass as half full. We accept that, as officials, we have been given a great responsibility and we are grateful for it. Grateful that someone gave us this opportunity to be in a position of significant influence, to lead by example, and then we get after it. Our attitude does not allow circumstances or decisions to defer our responsibility in the matter. And we belong to a larger community that shares this responsibility.) Have a great 2nd half! Jake Steinbrenner Assigning/ Evaluating Chairman