The attention was accidental, but it sure was nice. I think the assigner was there because an official at our meeting on Monday was grousing that there werent any senior guys at his scrimmage to evaluate him so he could advance. So I think the assigner showed up at the Palo Verde scrimmage thinking that since this was the "best" scrimmage in that PV won State last year this would be the best competition and the best chance to evaluate officials looking to move up. I hate to admit it, but I had no idea they won state last year and wasnt hoping to get anyone's eye. I just happen to live right by that school so I picked that scrimmage so I could leave a little early from work, see my wife and daughter quickly and then just walk over to the scrimmage. I had no idea the assigner would be there and that this would be probably the most competitve and physical game I will be a part of for several years.
I just got lucky.
As far as getting better, I do feel that I improved significantly this last scrimmage. But I chalk that up to two things: 1) having some senior guys there to help me directly; since there were not really any other newbies there I got all their help; and 2) I got a ton of whistle time. We werent rotating newbies in every 5 minutes. I ran 2 20 minute periods with the varsity and then 4 or 5 straight 10 minute running periods with the JV team. That was alot of work! Just knowing that I would be the only newbie running and that I didnt have to come out soon let me get comfortable and in the flow. That made a huge difference.
Clark
[Edited by totalnewbie on Nov 25th, 2004 at 04:04 PM]