[JRutledge]

Larks,

I was at a camp this past weekend in Ohio. The camp was run by a D1 assignor that also assigned lower level college as well. He said he thinks some officials just have the "gift." He thinks it does not matter how long some officials have been working, he really feels that some guys get it and others will never get it. I tend to agree with that to some extent. I have seen officials that just know what they are supposed to do from jump. I have seen other officials that have been around 20 years and they are still talking about what they used to do 20 years ago and these officials will never get it. I do not think a specific amount of games gives you "automatic" competence. I do believe that experience will help you know how to handle situations better the more you see them. I know I learn every single time I work a game. I have changed things as I see more plays. I do not think just because I worked a lot of games that in itself is a judgment of how good I am. I just think my opinions or philosophies have evolved and I am more confident in what I already believe or what I have been taught over the years.

Peace