UL,
Like you, I am brand new. This is my first year. I just finished my Fed test. It is to be handed in tomorrow (actually, I finished it Friday but I went over it AGAIN tonite since I had a few I wasnt sure of my interpretation and wanted to spend some more time with). I'm still not sure about Question 99, but that is beside the point.
Anyway, I recently ordered the Referee Magazine publication called "The Basektball Official's Guidebook, Vol III." It was, for me, exactly what the doctor ordered. It focuses on High School 2 person mechanics and it goes through many of the common plays and situations and has really great diagrams and drawings that help me visualize the plays. It is a supplement to the Official's Manual (which I have read over and over) but this book actually gives in play examples and diagrams. And it deals with situations for all parts of the game. It helps walk you through exactly the right procedures for calling violations and fouls and how to do and and when and where to go. It is really good for the newbie. I found lots of my questions answered there. There is a chapter of examples for jump balls and free throws and throw ins and full court press and lob passes to the post and dealing with transitions and officiating half-court vs. zone or man to man and three point offenses and officiating defenses and traps and spread offenses. Each chapter has a good number of examples, but not so many it is overwhelming. I found it to be very thorough and usable but not in so much minute detail as to be difficult to digest. Plus the layout is just great. Can you tell, I love this book. It is really helping me pre-visualize certain situations. It is about $30 but it is nearly 300 pages long--not cramped though, lots of big diagrams, very easy to read. Much more consise than this post
I also have been real fortunate to get hooked up with a veteran official in my area who is helping me to not learn bad habits early. Finding a mentor has been key for me. We have association meetings on Monday night at 6:30 and I meet with my "mentor" at the school at 5 pm and we go through floor work for an hour and a half. One session with him was more informative than all the association training classes put together and then some. I would recommend you find a senior official and get them to help you. My experience (YMMV) is that the squared away senior officials are more than happy to find an eager newbie and show them the ropes.
Clark