January 6, 2012IAABO Bd. 6

Reflections

“FEEL”What is it?

How do we get it?Prepared by John McDonnell (former

Bd. 6 Interpreter) and modified by Peter Palermino and Mike Infantino

Commissioner - “How did he/she do last night?”

Observer - “Excellent mechanics and good hustle but his “feel” for the game isn’t very good.

Observer - “I saw her work last night for the

first time. A real prospect. She has a great “feel” for the game, but really has to work on her mechanics.”

Definition of ”feel”

...having a sensitive appreciation or an intuitive understanding...

“Feel” is an impression yousense – CONFIDENCE

“Feel” is something that’sintuitive – COMMON SENSE

Key Characteristics:

- great decision maker

- understands advantage/disadvantage

- views the contest from perspective of all involved

- understands the game THAT night; when it changes

- understands the LEVEL of play

- knows what, when, and howto say something

- recognizes the “game changers”

- exhibits great interpersonalskills

- is calm, confident, consistent,and exhibits courage

- knows when to:smile/frown; ignore/respond;emphasize/penalize;intervene/prevent

All previous itemsare great examples ....

--But--The key characteristic to exhibit is ....

AnticipationThe ability to anticipate

the PLAY –NOT the call !!!

What makes this “feel”official able to

anticipate the play ?

Knowledge,Experience, Willingness

Willingness--observe (yourself & others) --listen (give it to me straight)--evaluate yourself (honestly)--accept what you see/hear

Partners must have “Feel”

- Be aware of the flow, pace, and game intensity. - Be aware of the score, fouls, and best player. - Know when to tighten and/or allow a flow.- Know when to come together to “get it right”. - Know when to “mirror” calls.- It’s not what “I” call but what “we” call.

Coaches- have a “feel”for official’s weakness.-if you are not confident, they can see it and feel it.

Coaches

Officials with good FEEL:- realize that the personality of a teamis reflected by behavior of Coach- if coach is out of control, the gameand players will follow.

Having great“feel” is notEnough.

Rules knowledge can NEVER be secondary !

Suggestion:- avoid officiating “in the moment”- see the whole picture, not just oneplay-use time-outs to assess what hashappened, what may next transpire- when the ball is dead, keep your

brain ALIVE

Suggestion:--watch game from 3 places;

- under the hoop- behind a “vocal” coach- in the middle of “vocal” fans

--keep a notebook--watch with an experienced official--no matter what level, continue to learn

by watching and listening

Quote

"Enjoy the game. Sometimes it's like work. When it is, go to work!"

Mike Infantino – Bd 6 member

Bd 6 Follies

Towels

Bill Cashman