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I feel that playing or not playing has no effect on whether you'll be a good official. Playing or coaching certainly has an effect on how well you'll learn to read plays and anticipate action, but it doesn't help you learn the position, learn nit-picky rules (as any official who's explained rules to a coach knows), or how to be impartial.
I started officiating hockey with experience playing, watching, and loving the game. I knew a lot of things about the sport, but the stuff I didn't know was how to be a hockey referee. I also didn't have a clear idea of icing or how offsides was called. Worst of all, I had no real idea when a penalty shot was called for (except in the most obvious of places). Refereeing the game has brought me closer to the game and given me a far greater appreciation for it.
I began officiating football after having been a fan since I was three years old. I knew a lot of terminology and understood a lot of the strategy of the game and the different strategies employed at the pro level compared to high school ball. I never played the sport, although I should have. I began officiating it and learned that I had no real idea how to officiate aside from spotting the ball and calling a few of the simpler penalties. I also had no clue that you could never have more than 4 backs and had no clue how to determine who was an eligible receiver. I now watch a football game and see these things and understand much, much more than I did just a couple of years ago.
And then there's baseball. I've always had that basic American understanding of the game: ball/strike, fair/foul, safe/out, the strike zone, and "Swing batta!" But aside from that, I had no idea of any strategies in the game. I was never a big baseball fan and never played organized ball. All of my experience was playing softball in PE, and when the teacher wasn't looking we would start to steal bases and throw overhand. I had no idea what went into umpiring and how tough the job would actually be. I had no clue what kind of people played the game or what was acceptable conduct on the field. Unlike hockey or football where a referee has jurisdiction of not only the players and coaches, but anybody in the stands too, a baseball umpire's ability to toss somebody ends at the fence on the field (unless otherwise granted by the league/organization). I had no clue what was proper timing in the sport. But I've learned, and I've learned in such a way that I have no desire to play the sport like I had a year ago (although if offered, I'd happily play the outfield or third base). I've learned how to "play" the game as an umpire, and in the last two years I've figured out the strategies of the game and have learned what to anticipate in many situations. While I have a lot of improving to still do, I've come quite a long way from my first game where I saw such a close play at 1B that I stared for about 10 seconds before pointing to my partner behind the plate! That was a learning experience!! ha ha ha!
Anybody can learn anything. All it takes the the drive and the ability to learn it. Prior experience is not necessary if the student has the aptitude to excel.
-Craig
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