[mrsbballref]

Hi Julie.
I've been where you are. When you're
starting out, it is a given that you're
going to have to prove yourself,
male or female, in order to gain the
respect you deserve. But, I do believe
the field of officiating is just now,
in the last several years, opening up more
to females, so you might have to give it
a little more effort in order to prove
yourself.

Although I've been around a while and don't
have to prove myself anymore, these are things
that I always do, regarless of the situation
being familiar or not. You can't go wrong.

I ALWAYS make it a point of holding my head
high with shoulders back when I enter the gym.
I fix my eyes on the team I will be observing
and try to show everyone that I'm into the job
and up to it. Don't slouch at timeouts either.
You may not know it, but people look at you
And no, not just the yelling ones.

When meeting the coaches, always call them coach
or coach so-and-so and give them a good firm handshake.
Never call them by their first name or get too personal
with them at game sites, even the ones you know
really well. I think this opens up the possibility
of them thinking they can maybe get to you a little.
Make sure they know from the start that it's all business
tonight to you.

In my opinion, I would not try to answer too many
questions about calls or make remarks regarding their comments. I think this again opens up the possibility
of them trying to argue more with you or just work and
talk to you more. In my opinon, less interaction is
better when you're starting out. Keep it professional.
I realize most officials give out the opposite advice,
but I think until you earn their respect, it's a lose,
lose situation to try to talk them out of things, etc.

That's just a start. Leaving work, so gotta go.
Email me if you like.
Lori