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2 words - Be professional.
I started in this business at 18 and there were plenty of good officials back then. Ways to earn respect and stick out:
1 - Show up early and be dressed better than anybody in the gym. When coaches, ADs, and yes, even fans see you looking sharp, the image is presented that this person cares about what they are doing.
2 - Look sharp and confident on the court, but not cocky. An up to date uniform, shined shoes, and good mechanics buy you a little more respect. By the book mechanics are good, but it helps to sprinkle some "selling the call" mechanics on the big ones as long as you don't have anal supervisors/evaluators.
3 - Communicate. Learn your coaches. Most of them want to talk to you during the game, particularly when you're in the C slot in fromt of them. Know which ones like to joke around. Know which ones like quick, concise, professional answers. And know which ones just want you to listen and not talk back. Let them feel comfortable with you. I want them to use my first name (although some will frown on this, too.) When you're young, you'll get worked...no doubt about it. Don't be offended and take it as good fun. It's a test of your personality skills. When coaches cross the line to earn the "T" (and they will), make sure that line is at the end of a distance race, not a sprint.
4 - Learn to ignore the lunatics in the stands and on the benches. Some people will never get it, some were never taught common courtesy, and some use sports as an outlet for rage that they think they couldn't get away with in any other aspect of life. If you're a good official, those people will be in the minority and the great fun, challenge, and camaraderie will more than offset the occasional loser you'll deal with over the years.
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