Preparing as a Varsity Basketball Official: Expectations, Communication, and Professionalism

Offseason Preparation

As high school basketball season approached last year in my region, I entered what would be an important evaluation season for me. While every season carries its own weight, this one felt more focused. I made it a point to prioritize preparation—both physically and mentally—in a way that helped me step into November feeling confident and ready.

Studying Rule Changes

Each offseason begins with a deep dive into the NFHS rule book. I made it a habit to review not just the current year’s changes and points of emphasis, but also to revisit key fundamentals that might be tested throughout the season. With some of the best and invested evaluators watching closely, it’s critical to be fluent in the language of the rules. I created a brief summary of this year’s changes, focused especially on freedom of movement, legal guarding position, and bench decorum. I also paid attention to case book examples that I hadn’t reviewed in a while—those proved useful during live games.

Mechanics Review

This season, I committed to refining both 2- and 3-person mechanics. I reviewed my old film, attended mechanics sessions, and went back through IAABO and NFHS mechanics manuals. I wanted my positioning, rotations, and signals to feel automatic. In my region, 3-person mechanics are often used in varsity and postseason play, so making sure I was rotating confidently and covering primary areas of responsibility was essential. I also practiced strong signaling—staying sharp in preliminary and secondary signals—because clarity and confidence are noticeable to both coaches and evaluators.

Physical Readiness

Conditioning has always been a part of my preseason, but this time I took a more structured approach. I focused on building my endurance and quickness through weekly workouts designed around lateral movement, recovery, and interval training. The pace of the varsity game continues to increase—especially with the athleticism in many Washington programs—so being in position isn't just about mechanics, it's about physical readiness.

Scrimmages and Association Clinics

Getting on the court during preseason scrimmages was one of the most valuable steps in my preparation. These games provided an opportunity to knock off rust, apply rule changes, and work with a variety of partners. I also attended multiple association meetings and clinics. During these sessions, I was able to ask questions, get feedback, and discuss challenging scenarios with experienced officials. These interactions helped solidify my readiness and gave me a professional environment in which to grow.

Crew Communication and Pre-Game Preparation

As officials, we are only as strong as the crew we work with. One of my priorities this past season was improving my pre-game communication and ensuring strong collaboration throughout each contest.

Building Rapport

Before each game, I made a point to connect with my crew ahead of arrival. Whether through a group text, phone call, or quick chat, it made a difference to walk into a gym already aligned on expectations. During our in-person pregame, we covered each official’s responsibilities during transition, rotation, and rebounding scenarios. When a crew has strong internal communication, trust builds, and that translates into smoother decision-making on the court.

Establishing Consistency

We also discussed our approach to game control—how we wanted to handle physicality early, how tightly we would call illegal screens, and what our threshold would be for technical fouls. Having these conversations ahead of time helped ensure consistency across the crew and showed evaluators that we were united in our management style.

Handling Unusual Situations

We made time in our pre-games to discuss rare but critical scenarios, like fight protocol, clock malfunctions, or incorrect free-throw administration. Reviewing these situations helped sharpen our awareness and prepared us for the unexpected.

Coach Interaction Before the Season

One area that consistently impacted the quality of my games was communication with coaches—especially before tip-off. In Washington, the expectation is professionalism and approachability. I made it a point to introduce myself with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and confirm that players were legally equipped and ready to play.

Setting Expectations Early

I used the pregame conference as an opportunity to set clear expectations around sportsmanship, bench behavior, and communication throughout the game. I was respectful, concise, and neutral. This small interaction often shaped how coaches would engage with me during the game. When done well, it created mutual respect that helped de-escalate future tense moments.

Professionalism and First Impressions

In an evaluation season, every detail matters. That includes not just the calls we make, but how we present ourselves.

Uniform and Appearance

I took extra care to ensure my uniform was clean, well-fitted, and consistent with WOA standards. Evaluators and assignors notice the small things: polished shoes, appropriate undershirts, and clean lanyards. They’re all part of the professional image we want to project.

Timely Arrival and Court Presence

I committed to arriving at every site 45 minutes before game time. This allowed time to inspect the playing area, meet with game administrators, and mentally prepare. Early arrival demonstrates reliability and shows game management that you take your role seriously.

Once on the court, I focused on calm, confident presence. That meant clear signals, controlled body language, and measured responses—even in high-pressure moments. Evaluators look not just at what we call, but how we manage the game with presence and professionalism.

Confidence Without Ego

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to balance confidence with humility. We’re expected to lead the game, make tough decisions, and stand by our judgments—but without showing arrogance or frustration. When I missed a call or misapplied a rule, I owned it. When I was confident in a decision, I explained it clearly and let it stand. That mindset earned the respect of both coaches and evaluators.

Key Takeaways from Evaluation Season

Reflecting on my evaluation season, a few key insights stood out:

1. Preparation is everything. Whether it’s the rulebook, mechanics, or physical readiness—there’s no substitute for coming in prepared. It shows up in your decision-making and your confidence on the floor.

2. Crew cohesion impacts performance. When officials communicate clearly and trust each other, the crew functions as a unit. That not only improves game flow, but it gives evaluators confidence in your leadership.

3. Professionalism is visible. From attire and demeanor to court presence and coach interaction, how we carry ourselves matters just as much as what we call.

4. Coach relationships matter. Setting a respectful tone early and communicating clearly throughout the game goes a long way in managing conflict and earning credibility.

5. Every game is an opportunity. Whether it’s a Tuesday night league game or a Friday night varsity rivalry, treat every contest as if evaluators are watching—because even if they’re not, someone is.

   
   

   
   

Looking Ahead

As I head into another season, I carry forward the lessons I learned during last year’s evaluation period. I’ll continue to study, communicate, and refine my presence on the floor. The standard we hold ourselves to as officials is high—and that’s what makes this role meaningful. Our consistency, fairness, and professionalism shape the game for every student-athlete and coach we serve.

To those preparing for their own evaluation season: stay focused, support your crew, and trust your preparation. Every whistle is an opportunity to grow.