[Old Dude Ref]

In Wisconsin starting this season we are going to 3 person at the State level, then 3 at the Sectional level in 2007 and finally to the Regional Final level in 2008. For this season it will add 40 officials to the State tourney roles (20 each for boys and girls). Our Director was surpised it passed our WIAA Board of Control and she has taken steps to get everyone ready for the transition. She's has asked each official's association for 2 reps to become certified to teach 3-person to the members.

There have been a few camps and clinics given this summer that has stressed the high school 3-person philosophy. It's gone very well but officials still need to work the games. May I suggest that you start with non-conference games. No one is keen on the idea of getting less pay but budgets are strapped and money is tight. Get ready to take less but you'll gain valuable experience and you must work at it to be good at it.

Lets face it. I don't care what part of the country you're from, 95% of games can be worked with 2 officials. We need to work at 2 person first and then three person will come. I suggest that you only take veterans who have a shot at working tournament ball first and work your way down the chain. Whatever your situation, you must be flexible.

Alot may depend on the number of officials you have in your area. If you're hurting for competent people in 2 person then forget about three. MAy you could work in crews of four. One pair does the preliminary game and then one of the two works with the two varsity officials. See if that would work. Good Luck