TOLIVER BASKETBALL.COM
NEWSLETTER
Volume 6 .............................................................March 2001


Welcome from The Editor
I loved the true sincerity that was shown by some referees that I know. Here is what happened. During a nationally televised NBA game one of my partners, Jess Kersey, injured his Achilles tendon early in the first period and had to leave the game. Hugh Evans and I worked the rest of the half in a two-man crew. We were fortunate that another referee, Derek Richardson, was in the arena and joined Hugh and I in the second half. After the game we went back to the hotel and helped Jess get situated in his room. Within one hour, I received nine phone calls from some refereeing friends. None of the calls were the usual “hey, I saw your game on the tube today”. EACH of the calls asked about Jess’ injury and his well being. They all wanted me to wish him well with his recovery. I can’t begin to tell you how proud I was to be associated with friends who had a genuine concern about a person they didn’t know personally, but certainly respected as a part of the officiating fraternity. Jess was moved by the news that I shared with him. I, too, was moved.

Topic of the Month

As the basketball season nears an end it is a good time for honest reflection on the year you have just had. Hopefully you have improved in the mechanical areas of you game as well as grown to understand your role as a “team player” on the court.

Now is a good time to get away from the court and game for a period of time. Let the flames rest and establish a time schedule for re-kindling the fire within. Make sure the plan includes improving rules knowledge, and work on your conditioning. Decide what you want to do this summer to remain stimulated and growing as a referee. Work a few recreation games, attend a good camp, or work with new officials in your area. Being involved in some way and to some degree will be of benefit to you.

  Getting Ready for Camp

Here are a few tips for selecting and attending a camp:

Your primary objective should be to attend to become a better skilled official.

Assess the staff for their teaching ability, not their resume.

Get into good physical condition before you go to camp. First impressions are lasting.

Have an open mind and be adaptable to the information you receive.

Identify and work on specific areas of weakness in your game.

Notable Quotes for Life on and off the Court

The haves and have nots can usually be traced back to the dids and did nots.

“There is a price to pay to grow. Commitment is the price. “ Ed Cole

“A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities; an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties”. Reginald B. Marshall

“Be thankful for what you HAVE; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what YOU DON”T HAVE, you will never, ever have enough.

.Questions that You Might Have

If you have questions submit them to www.toliverbasketball.com along with your email address and I will respond during the summer.

It has been a pleasure to interact and offer insight into basketball officiating from my perspective. During the next few months I will spend time refreshing myself both mentally and physically. I will be attending several camps to do lectures and banquets, and will play some golf.

I will also be directing my 13th Annual Basketball Officiating School on June 21-24, 2001. We have an outstanding staff, incoming conference supervisors from the collegiate level, the NBA and WNBA, as well as developmental leagues. You are encouraged to attend regardless of your level of experience. Don’t miss a great opportunity to grow and develop. I assure you that you will improve your skills.

 Parting Thought

Best wishes and enjoy the summer!

To the world, you may be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Stay well…..gt

Copyright 2000-2001. Toliver Basketball.com. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any article without permission is prohibited. The thoughts in this newsletter are the property of the writer. I will not be responsible for anything contained as it reflects my opinion. While topics may be cutting edge in content it is the intent of the newsletter to stimulate positive interaction and growth for the readers.


Back to Toliver Basketball.com Newsletter Page