[stripes]

Originally posted by socalreff
...As an evaluator, mechanics are the 1st thing I notice. It's difficult to get past sloppy mechanics to see the rest of an official's skills.

I'm just the opposite. I'm not nearly as worried about mechanics as I am about how a games is called and handled by the officials. Officials care more about mechanics than anyone else and they can be practiced (many others mentioned good ways to practice) and learned, but knowing what to call and how to handle situations is much tougher.

Don't get me wrong, mechanics are important, just not the most important thing.