[OverAndBack]

Well basketball is back on for me.

After working a scrimmage a few weeks ago and feeling when the ball went up that I had forgotten everything I'd learned after which guy's the lead and which is the trail (kudos to the always helpful JRutledge for tips that night), I was very apprehensive about returning to the court this past weekend for my first game of the season (my second season).

But halfway through the game (a freshman girls' game, the highest level I've ever done) it started to feel comfortable again. I still made mistakes, but I had a veteran (37 years) partner who was very helpful and felt good about it when it was over. I wasn't apprehensive anymore, I was actually looking forward to the two games I had scheduled tonight.

Well it turned into one game because one of the schools didn't have enough players for a B game, and the timing got screwed up because the AD told me the game was at 5 and it was at 5:30 so I left work about 45 minutes earlier than I needed to. But they paid us for both games anyway, so that was cool.

After working this game I feel even better. I mean, I have a long way to go as an official, but I'm not apprehensive anymore. I've been watching other guys and taking the advice of people to slow down, have some presence and carry myself more like a person of authority. I think those three simple things are big keys to success for a new official.

My partner tonight was another veteran who was extremely helpful. I made a few mistakes again (note to self: after you make the charge call on the blarge---my first one ever---you have to actually go over and report the foul, numbnuts), but nobody griped and when it was over I actually was wishing there was a second game because I was ready to go.

Sorry to ramble. Just for the less experienced guys - relax, listen and watch and then go out and put the lessons to work.