Step Ahead Officials Basketball Camp

Camp Dates: July 18-20, 2008 @ U. W. Stevens Point

TESTIMONIALS:

Just wanted to say that I thought that the camp this weekend was excellent. Was very informative. You and the clinicians do an excellent job. Thanks
~ Jack Flemming

I know that I filled out a questionnaire at the end of the clinic, but I had to express my thoughts of this year's clinic to you and your staff.

First, and foremost, I can see why all of the experienced officials that I know, call this Clinic the best in the state. It may be one of the best clinics for X's and O's of officiating, but it is THE BEST CLINIC of any kind that I have been to that the clinicians have a true dedication to the improvement of officials as both referees and individuals. YOUR PEOPLE REALLY CARE. You can tell in the way they instruct and by their passion for the game itself. They are willing to listen, and answer a question, especially from an inexperienced 3 person official like myself.

I was the official that Mike Bunge was referring to, when he said on Friday, " I had no idea what I was doing". Through everyone effort, including myself, I feel that I have the ability to step onto a court
and do a Basketball game with a 3 person crew and do it comfortably.
I also know that I will have to get better through experience and hard work, but the groundwork is there to start.

I was going to wait a few days to sent this, but I felt like I wanted to do this now. Thanks
~ Mark Decker

Just wanted to write and let you know how great an experience last weekend was. Not sure I’ve ever been involved with or attended a camp with as many passionate people regarding officiating. And I’ve never ever seen any event like that one stay on time. A true credit to you and the staff you assembled. I’ve heard and received nothing but positive comments from campers since I’ve returned.

You are providing a very valuable weekend for those officials that choose to take advantage of it. I appreciate very much the chance to have been a part of it and always love the opportunity to share my “passion” and relative expertise regarding officiating. Thanks again.
~ Ken Koester
Referee/NASO Associate Editor (National Association of Sports Officials)

The Step Ahead Officials Camp received an overall camp rating from the 2005 participants of 4.9 out of 5. Listed below are some comments we received from those attending the camp.

Thank you!!! This was one of my best experiences of my officiating career. The quality of people at this camp was awesome!!! I will recommend this to all my fellow officials.
~Mark Chrisinger

For the second time I came to this camp because it is top quality. I have recommended this camp to others and will continue to recommend. Thanks for everything!
~ Jeff Wolf

Last time I was here I rated the camp excellent. This time it was much improved!
~ Jim Rath

I enjoyed the camp immensely. I learned so much about 3 man mechanics and game management. Communication being the key. Thanks! I look forward to returning to the camp next year to continue my education.
~ Kirk Grimes

Excellent camp again. Very commendable of Deb Hauser to take time to be here. Thanks for everything!
~ Mark Jandrin

Great camp. Quality clinicians. Well structured. Good balance of classroom / game instruction. Working one half, sitting / observing one half worked well.
~ Craig Fenrick

Undoubtedly the best camp I've attended. Communication amongst staff and campers was exceptional. You have such a great group of guys and gals. Tremdous learning experience not only for mechanics but game management and officiating philosophies. Excellent, excellent, excellent!
~ Mike Klein

All instructional elements were excellent - best feedback I have ever had. I know it will make me a better official therefore better game for the players.
~ Steve Lyles

Great camp - I have learned so much the past two years I have been here. Great job! I hope you continue to run this in the future. Thanks!
~ Ryan DeLong

CAMP PURPOSE

This camp is based on the assessment that officials could use some guidance as they formulate their approach to officiating. It is intended to give you ideas you can use in developing your style. There is more than one way to do things but suggestions are made for you to choose based on years of experience doing things that work. You will be challenged and become a better official for having taken the time to attend

CAMP GUIDELINES

Being an official carries with it a level of expectations related to behavior on and off the court. Your clinicians will set a very high standard for that behavior and we will expect you follow that example. Any camper unable to follow those expectations will be asked to leave the camp. A detailed listing of expectations will be found in your camp handbook.

CAMP COMPONENTS

Classroom instruction and on court application will be used to assist in your development. Mechanics, pre and post game business, the world of officiating, developing your officiating philosophy, handling players and coaches and how you can advance will be covered. Successful high school and college officials as well as WIAA administrators and division III supervisors will share their secrets.

HOW TO ENROLL

Completion of Registration Form: The form will be displayed in a new window (link below) for you to print.  Complete the printed form and mail (along with your payment) to the address provided.

EQUIPMENT, HOUSING AND FOOD

SHEETS, PILLOW, BLANKET (ALL BEDDING), TOWELS, WASH CLOTHS ARE FURNISHED BY SHOWTIME SPORTS. You need to bring personal toiletries and clothes. Three weeks prior to camp, you will be sent a list of items you need to bring. You will also receive the camp time schedule and directions for travel and where to report. You will be housed In a campus dorm with two people in a room. Food will be served in the campus dining facility.

IF YOU ARE TAKING MEDICATION, INFORM US AT CHECK IN. ROOM SECURITY IS ALWAYS AN ISSUE SO BE REMINDED ABOUT NOT BRINGING VALUABLES YOU CANNOT SECURE!

ARE YOU IN SHAPE?

This is truly a working camp. You will officiate 12 games over three days and it is important you report in reasonable physical condition. If you have not been exercising on a regular basis, please begin to stretch and light run a month before camp begins. We will expect all of you to be ready to go when you arrive and work a hard each game you work. It will be warm so shorts are recommended and long pants are not required. Keeping you body fluids up will be important so make sure you have a water bottle. We will be furnishing fluids during all sessions. We will also demand that you eat each time we break so you can maintain your stamina! This will be a fun but WORKING camp!