[Frodo]

CMU and our club had a submission grappling dual meet today, and it was my first time as the ref. It was relatively easy to set up, but I had a hard time officiating. I got confused by the rules a little bit, and after a long time refereeing matches I got tired and easily distracted. I also had trouble not yelling out help or tips instinctually. I assume I'll get better with experience, but what tips does everyone have on being a better referee?

[Bubble Boy]

Act like you are the fucking man, even if you don't know what you're doing. You're the ref, and your decisions are cast in titanium, and they're correct, always.

[scorcho]

Yea, attitude is really important as a ref. However, concentration is the key skill of a ref.

[bacon]

You just gotta practice man. I was a ref for a HS dual meet, b/c the real ref was late. I just reffed the JV matches but it was nerve racking. At that time, I'd been wrestling for 10+ years and I made all kinds of mistakes. Luckily, it was just the JV.

Perfection through repetition.

Next time you're at practice, ref every match you aren't directly involved in. It might help. You basically have to change the way you watch.

Reffing is one of those things you'll probably just have to suck at for awhile. I only did JV and I blew quite a few calls. Reffin, much like pimpin, ain't easy.

[Frodo]

Thanks Bubble Boy and scorcho. Even though I was nervous like crazy, I tried to project a good attitude. I "dressed up" with kaki pants and a golf shirt to look like an authority compared with the grappling attire of the competitors. However, I am a little short so I don't want to appear to have "little man" anger issues. ;-)

bacon, that's how I felt too. How do you practice without screwing one competitor or even a competition? In any case, I have a new respect for refs. Everyone always blames them, but their job is hard!

[Balto]

Pay attention at all times.

Act with authority.

Know the rules and scoring.

As far as keeping up with the score, it should be pretty easy. Just anticipate what the next scores can possibly be. For example, when the competitors are standing, you know the only score possible from that position is a takedown. When the competitors are in the guard position, you only have to worry about scoring a sweep or a guard pass.

[guardpasser]

i went to a ref seminar to get certified for a bjj federation, it helped a little,
mostly do as every one above has said and it should be fine

[snigg]

damn i forgot about that, i was gonna come watch jim.

[Frodo]

That's ok. You missed a beatdown courtesy of the CMU Grappling Club. Congrats to Balto and the rest of Carnegie Mellon (no hyphen!).