Tom,
In my state, a patch means that you have passed a test. Nothing more, nothing less. It means you have a textbook knowledge of the rules and you have some understanding of the mechanics to use on the floor. It says nothing of your judgement, game management and people skills, physical condition or other factors that make for a top notch varsity level official. Varsity officials are chosen from the officials that have a patch. You do have to play the political game to get a varsity game. In otherwords, you got to get an assignor to look at you and evaluate you as to what level of varsity game he can trust you with.
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