very one of us wish we could have a game like this – minimal calls, minutes without a whistle, and tremendous scoring that pleases the coaches and fans. It is rare for a whole game to be like that, but it can occur sporadically in almost any competition.

Do you know what to look for when it occurs in one of your games? Do you know what to do – how to respond?

Dale Kelley, supervisor of men’s officials for multiple conferences, wants his officials to understand the game, the terminology, and how to respond at the right time. His D-I officials have to “read” the game: the offense and the defense. Then they interject themselves to make the game better, not change the dynamics when to do so would hurt the play, slow the tempo, or take players out of their groove.

What to look for

Great basketball has elements of excellence that every official must recognize. Whether a coach or official, you will instantly appreciate some of these elements and appreciate that they are keys to great playing action:

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