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I have never officiated any sport other than basketball, but I have heard from many people who have that basketball is by far the most difficult sport to officiate, due to the speed of the game and the number of rules involved. Having officiated basketball for over 12 years, I can safely say that it does take years for anyone to be good enough to be able to work higher level games. There's just too much to know and develop in order to be on top of your game from every perspective. From a solid knowledge of the rules to strong mechanics to dealing with the personalities involved. I have been a member of 5 different associations in 4 states. Every time I moved I had to start over as a rookie - never made it to varsity level until my current association. Some have been good associations, some bad. They have all been political as far as how you move up the ladder. The best association I've been a member of, by far, is the one I'm in now (Portland, Oregon). My assignor trusted my experience and watched me at least 5 times last season, my first in this association. He moved me up to varsity level for this season. So now I get another ladder to climb, as I only get small school varsity girl's games and mostly JV games. It's all good with me.
I know a lot of people get involved with high school officiating with the goal of moving up to the elite levels, maybe move to college ball, and some probably have dreams of making it to the NBA. Not me. I do this because I love the game and want to be a part of it. I'm not interested in college officiating, and honestly I couldn't care less about working the state tournament. I always try to get better and if I make it higher up the ladder, that will be a bonus. But that's just me. I've worked with plenty of guys who seem to do it because they need the money. I've worked with plenty of guys who simply are too old or out of shape and should hang it up, but for some reason they don't. I don't get that. I hope I have the sense to stop when it isn't fun anymore (I did that once - took 5 years off because I was burned out and wasn't having fun) or if I can't keep up. And I would ask you, beg you even, to quit if it isn't fun for you.
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