Let me preface this by saying I just started as a
VB official last year, and in our area, you work approximately HALF of your matches on the 7th/8th grade level (here in NY, the call all 7th/8th grade sports 'modified') alone! In fact, my very first game as R1 was by myself!
After a couple of matches alone (including a double match at one school- what a game fee!), I finally worked out where for subs and time outs, I had the coaches hit the scoreboard buzzer to get my attention. I also tried to do the lineup check before going up on the stand for the first game, then had the captains bring it up to me before the last two games. I also let the coaches know that during the games that the lineups were basically on their honor - nobody is going to try to cheat on that level!
My last match of the season was also my hardest - the two teams were playing at a nice JV level, and there was actual real net play! I tried to do my best there..but...you ARE going to miss things...
And just a final thought as a recommendation Bob: Try and see before next season if your association sponsors/works any multi scrimmages schools in your area might hold. I worked at the end of August a scrimmage where there were 13 teams rotating and playing 15 minute games. I ended up working the equivelent of 6 varisty level matches in a seven hour period - what an amazing experience! I found that by the end of that day the confidence where I KNOW I will go and try and qualify as a JV/Varsity official in the future, when my experince allows me to!
Good luck in the future Bob!
Lou