Last season, I had the pleasure of officiating some of the most electrifying high school basketball games of my career. I’m talking about games where the gym was packed to the rafters, the air was electric, and the noise level could probably register on the Richter scale. Teams were playing with everything they had, and with state titles on the line, the action was nothing short of a highlight reel—dunks, long-range threes, no-look passes, you name it. If ESPN had shown up, they wouldn’t have been disappointed.
Now, let me tell you something about high school basketball. The game has evolved. We’re seeing faster players, more athleticism, and a level of skill that’s almost mind-blowing. But you know what hasn’t evolved all that much? The poker-faced, stoic professionalism of the officials running these games.
Last year, during a District championship game, we had just finished the first half, and as I was heading back to my spot for warm-ups, a young man I had met during the regular season came up to me. He had this look of sheer curiosity and asked, “Sarge, how do you guys not show any expressions with all this excitement?” Before I could answer, his mom chimed in, “Yeah, I’ve always wondered that too. You guys look like you’re bored sometimes.” Then, as if on cue, an older gentleman next to them added, “I don’t know how you deal with all that noise and a full gym screaming. It seems overwhelming.”
Now, these were good questions, and I would’ve loved to dive deep into the topic right there, but the clock waits for no one, and the second half was about to start. So, I turned around and gave them a quick reply: “Well, I’m a combat veteran, so noise and the environment don’t affect me; they drive me to be better. And for others, it’s about knowing never to draw attention to oneself.”
That’s the thing about officiating—people often overlook just how important our demeanor and conduct are. How we talk to players, coaches, and yes, even the occasional parent on the sidelines, really matters. We know there’s always someone filming us, and let’s be honest, the last thing we want is to go viral for the wrong reasons.
A lot of us have developed the habit of covering our mouths with the ball during timeouts when we’re talking. We’re well aware that folks might be curious about what we’re discussing or thinking. But let me tell you, the real trouble begins when a ref can’t control their body language or tone of voice. If you look defensive or argumentative, trust me, people will zero in on you faster than a hawk on a field mouse.
And this brings me to another important point—how we present ourselves physically. This isn’t just about knowing the rules and making the right calls. It’s about looking the part too. Pants, shirts, hair—everything counts. When you step onto that court, you need to look healthy, fit, and engaged. The difference in how you’re perceived is night and day.
When I was younger, I didn’t give much thought to these things. But with experience, I’ve learned that your appearance and demeanor can either bolster your credibility or chip away at it. And in this line of work, credibility is everything. So, to any aspiring officials out there, remember this: if you want to be taken seriously, start by taking yourself seriously. Control your expressions, watch your tone, and make sure you’re dressed for the part.
Because at the end of the day, while the players may be the stars, we’re the ones keeping the show running smoothly. And trust me, there’s nothing boring about that.
The Smiling Ref: When Emotions Get the Better of You
Speaking of demeanor, let me share a funny story from last season that perfectly illustrates the importance of keeping emotions in check. I was working with a fellow referee who, let’s just say, had a bit too much personality for the job that night. He was a good guy, no doubt, but his habit of smiling and laughing during the game was starting to get under everyone’s skin.
This wasn’t the typical stone-faced, serious official you’d expect. No, this guy was grinning from ear to ear every time a player made a great play, and if there was a funny comment on the court, you could bet he’d be chuckling along with it. It was different, for sure, but not in the way the teams or the crowd appreciated.
As the game went on, I started hearing it from all sides. A coach pulled me aside and asked, “Hey, Sarge, what’s up with your boy? He needs to focus or concentrate and stop acting like this is some kind of party.” Then a player came up and asked, “Why is your partner smiling and laughing all the time? It’s annoying—he’s not even getting the calls right.” And if that wasn’t enough, a fan in the stands decided to add his two cents, yelling, “Why the hell are you laughing? Ref the game, bro!”
Now, we all know that officiating requires a certain level of emotional detachment, but seeing someone so openly joyful was a bit of a shock to everyone involved. By halftime, I knew we needed to make an adjustment. As the crew chief, I had to address the situation, but I also knew it wasn’t about pointing fingers.
So, I decided to start with myself. I told my partner, “You know, I’ve been working on keeping my poker face and emotions in check during the game. It’s something we all need to work on, especially in high-stakes games like this.” I framed it as something I was also working on, rather than making it about him. He agreed and acknowledged that he needed to shore up his emotional disposition as well.
When we went back out for the second half, there was a noticeable change. The smiles were fewer, the focus was sharper, and the tension in the gym started to calm down. It was a lesson in leadership for me, too—sometimes, instead of pointing out someone else’s flaws, you can lead by example and self-correction.
Perfecting Your Court Disposition: Tips for High School Basketball Officiating
So, how do you perfect that court disposition, ensuring you’re the epitome of professionalism while keeping your cool under the hottest lights? Here are a few tips that have served me well over the years:
1. Master Your Poker Face: The best officials are like seasoned poker players—they never reveal their hand. No matter what happens on the court, keep your emotions in check. If a player makes a questionable remark or the crowd gets rowdy, your expression should remain neutral. A calm demeanor diffuses tension and shows everyone you’re in control.
2. Body Language Speaks Volumes: Stand tall, walk with purpose, and avoid slouching or crossing your arms. Your body language should exude confidence, but not arrogance. Remember, you’re the authority on the court, and how you carry yourself can either reinforce or undermine that authority.
3. Tone Matters: How you say something is often more important than what you say. Use a firm but calm tone when addressing players or coaches. Avoid raising your voice unless absolutely necessary, and never let frustration or anger creep in. A controlled tone shows you’re steady, even in the heat of the moment.
4. Stay Engaged, Not Over-Involved: It’s important to be present and focused on the game, but you don’t want to be seen as overly involved. Resist the urge to interact too much with players or coaches during the game. A nod here, a quick word there, but nothing more. Your job is to facilitate the game, not to be part of the action.
5. Mind Your Appearance: As I mentioned earlier, how you look is part of the equation. A well-fitted uniform, polished shoes, and a neat appearance go a long way. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about looking like you’re ready to handle business. Make sure your gear is in top shape, and that you’re fit and ready to keep up with the pace of the game.
6. Manage Your Breath: Sounds simple, but deep breathing is a powerful tool. When things get intense, take a moment to breathe deeply. It helps calm your nerves and keeps you focused. Plus, it gives you a split second to gather your thoughts before making a call or dealing with a challenging situation.
7. Practice Mental Toughness: Just like the players, refs need mental toughness. Prepare yourself for the unexpected, and practice staying calm under pressure. Visualization can help—imagine yourself in high-pressure scenarios and practice how you’d respond. The more you rehearse mentally, the more natural it will be when you’re on the court.
8. Know the Rules Inside Out: Nothing builds confidence like knowledge. When you know the rulebook inside and out, you can make calls with authority. It also helps you stay composed when a coach or player questions a call. You’ll know exactly why you made the decision, and you can explain it without hesitation.
9. Develop a Pre-Game Routine: A solid pre-game routine helps set the tone for your performance. Whether it’s a quick review of the game plan, some light stretching, or a mental checklist, having a routine gets you into the right mindset. It’s like putting on your armor before going into battle—essential for getting your head in the game.
10. Learn from Every Game: Finally, always take time to reflect after each game. What went well? What could you improve? Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your peers.
The best officials are those who never stop learning and adapting.
Remember, the goal is to blend into the game, not stand out. A perfect game for an official is one where no one notices you were even there. But achieving that level of professionalism takes practice, self-awareness, and a commitment to constantly refining your craft.
So, the next time you’re out there under those bright lights, just remember—stay cool, stay calm, and keep it professional. Because when the gym’s on fire, you’re the one who’s supposed to stay cool.
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