WEEKLY LETTER R16 GD4
Dear Referees and Video Observers.
Thank you all for your performances during the recent BCL games, L16, GD 04.
As I expected before the GD 04, it was an exciting week. From memory, I think it's the first time we had 3 OTs in a BCL game, plus we had one game finish with 1 point difference, and three games with 3 points difference. Potential one ball games; these are the type of games we train and officiate for.
BCL, L16, GD 04
In GD 04 games, your performances were
again, to our expectations, our new BCL standard level, ABOVE STANDARD. In 8
games, we had 21 ABOVE STANDARD marks and 3 STANDARD marks. Well done!
To remind you of our definitions, STANDARD performance is a performance that meets the minimum use of officiating techniques and criteria. An acceptable performance without demonstrating higher quality decision making. Onward from this BCL season, this STANDARD mark is not good enough as an Elite Official performance.
Our target, as the ''new STANDARD'' is a performance that is more than competent and exceeds the basic use of officiating techniques and criteria. Had an acceptable error rate and made high-quality decisions (ABOVE STANDARD definition). These were the main characteristics in the last two game days: L16 GD 03 & GD 04.
Of course, it would be great to have, as much as possible, a VERY GOOD mark; this should always be your target until the end of the BCL season. It is not easy to earn but to remind you, it is a performance that demonstrated a significantly higher level of game control, did not contribute to controversy, and demonstrated high-level decision making, being proactive, proactive communication, and higher order thinking skills during pressure situations. I am sure many of you are ready for that delivery level, it's time to show me.
I'd like to say thank you to all of you, nominated for QF games ELW and FEC, SF games ECW. Last week you officiated to our expected service delivery level, regarding your Elite Group status.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
No one is perfect, at all times exists areas for improvement. Regardless of the high/higher level of performance.
Advice from our Video Observers, areas for improvement:
- Illegal screen vs. fake on screen
- DW as a signal of lack of concentration or emotional discipline
- Unncessary calls, marginal contacts vs. PPL, PW, CW
- Emotional signals and body language, shows your mental strength
UF CRITERIA
In 8 games we had only 2 UF decisions. The small number. What I watched live from the games, several of you were very confident with your initial decision, normal foul, with no influence from the players, or coaches signals for UF. This was a very positive point, your UNDERSTANDING and CONFIDENCE.
HCC
Coaches asked 10x HCH. 6 requests were for L2M OOB situations. The Referees changed their initial decision 5x. This is a good point of the HCC.
IRS USAGE BY THE REFEREES
In 8 games we had 5x IRS usage by the Referees. No initial decision was changed.
For IRS usage my advice is, in these last 2 L16 game days, don't hesitate to use IRS in the decisive part of the game, the money time. We have the technology; we have the Protocols; follow them. In any do or die situation, don't be pressed by time consuming per IRS. The most important, is your proper final decision!
Dear Colleagues,
In next two weeks we have mostly do or die games; with each basket and foul counting.
I will just repeat my message from last week's Letter, no changes, no revolution:
''What I am expecting from any of you, is the highest quality and delivery of decisions, mental strength, and open, positive communication with the players and coaches. With the note to protect the dignity of our job. Please, go through the Protocols, IRS, and HCC material. Scout your teams well and be ready in this round even more for the 'finger towards the Referees'.''
I wish you a successful week in officiating.
Davorin