[RPatrino]

Pete, very good thread starter, here are my responses:

1. Is it Hard work and dedication? Yes
- Getting and staying in shape, learning ones trade, staying on top of the rules, attending clinics, watching and learning from others, and teaching up and comers. Being a good team member(your crew on the field, you are a team with your assignor, you are part of a larger "team" with your association), being cooperative and flexible, letting things roll off your back.

2. "good ole boy network" To some extent, yes.
- There is a political aspect to what we do, but it is more than that. Do you "fit in"? Do you try to get along with the other's in your association? Are you a braggard "know it all", or do you sit and observe and learn? Are you willing to learn? Have you found a "big dog" or "bigger dog" mentor? Are you willing to "TEACH"?

3. Kiss up to the coaches? Yes, if coaches evaluate.
- Remember, if we can spot a kiss up coach from a mile away, don't you think they can too? Like a friend has said, "coaches are smarter then we are". (find the article on the pay side)

4. Willingness to travel? This is a big factor.
- Another HUGE aspect is availability and the willingness to take last minute games. Also,the flexibility to adapt to the assignor. Having done that job, when I found someone who was willing to work with me, guess what, they got more work. I worked a youth ball game that got rained out, I called my HS assignor and told him I was available. Guess what, I got a last minute varsity game. He was "very pleased", to say the least.

5. Luck. Of course
- Right place at the right time? For sure. You can't say luck doesn't play a part in presenting opportunities to us, but being prepared to seize that opportunity when it presents itself is not luck. It is being good.

Bob