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	Schiedsrichter \| Tipps \| Der gute Schiedsrichter
	Quelle: NASO Locker Room Volume 4 Number 3, März 2003 / Übersetzung und Überarbeitung: Axel Beckmann
	Gute Ratschläge von Bobby Knight
	With an open mind, even referees can learn from Bob Knight. We know he’s thrown a chair. We knows he’s berated officials for decades. We know he’s the prototypical bad boy among high-profile coaches. But he has a message worth listening to that can be applied to officiating. Knight, the Texas Tech men’s basketball coach, has had a lot of success. While the coach at Indiana, he won three national championships and 11 Big Ten titles. He also led the U.S. Olympians to gold in 1984. In an ESPN televised interview aired in January 1998, Knight talked extensively about selfish societal attitudes and how they relate to athletics. He also talked about how to fix the problems. He said: "Language is important. We need to change our language and our way of thinking. We need to stop using words like ‘I,’ ‘My’ and ‘Mine’ and start using words like ‘We,’ ‘Ours’ and ‘Us.’ Our attitudes need adjusting." A referee’s perspective. Think about that quote and how it pertains to your officiating career. ‘I.’ People who start most sentences with the word "I" send strong signals and they’re not usually good. When you constantly hear things like, "I did this," or "I did that," you’re likely hearing from a person who is tilted a bit too far toward self-centered. There’s nothing wrong with confidence; it’s a necessary ingredient in officiating. But the next time you start telling stories to your fellow officials, think of how many times you start using the word "I." Then think about the perception that generates. Certainly, if you’re asked for your opinion, you’re going to give it, usually starting with, "Here’s what I think." That’s logical and acceptable. Consider whether you’re being asked for your opinion or are giving it. It’s a critical difference. ‘My’ and ‘mine.’ "I can’t believe that ref got assigned that game. That should have been my game." Sense an attitude problem? Assignments can turn some referees into selfish back-stabbers. Too often, we feel slighted instead of feeling happy for the other official. Our own insecurities are the root of the problem. The next time you want to criticize, ask yourself, "Would I have turned the game down? How excited would I be if I’d received that assignment?" Try supporting that referee instead. ‘We.’ "I hear you coach, but it wasn’t my call." That statement can send shock waves of negativity into a situation. If you’re constantly trying to cover your rear with coaches, evaluators and assignors, your reputation with other officials will suffer. Would you want to "go to war" with someone who you don’t trust? The answer is obvious. Think like a team at all times. You may not agree with your partner’s call or the way your partner handled a situation. But that’s not license to hang your partner either. Don’t make excuses for you or your partner. If it’s worth talking about, it’s best to sort it out in the locker room after the game, not in front of coaches, athletic directors, etc. Remember this: Good evaluators are looking for much more than people who understand rules and mechanics. They’re looking for team players. ‘Ours’ and ‘us.’ This is our avocation. Take pride in what you do and share good thoughts with other officials. When a member of your local association does something wonderful, tell others about it. Recognize someone’s first game, first playoff assignment, first college game, etc. It doesn’t have to be formal recognition, either. A simple mention at the postgame watering hole goes a long way. Help others. Put yourself in a position to ensure other referees’ successes. Give back to officiating and be a positive person. Share in those successes and you in turn will feel better about officiating. After all, it is our avocation. It’s up to us to make a difference.