[Mike22Official]

Thank you all for the kind words.

The only thing I regret is not applying during the Fall when I first got interested. They probably would have let me stand on the sidelines of some games to watch the officials.

The SCFOA's policy on the exam is that if you get a passing grade of 70 or higher, you can work varsity games even in your first year. However, looking at the exam scores and the years of experience for those officials, it seems even getting a 70 would be pretty tough. I think I'm getting a nice head start on the exam, though, by reading the rule book and checking out forums like this.

Also, it seems that my state has officials work one position for an entire season and stay there. I was hoping to work all the positions, and maybe I'll get that chance in sub-varsity games, but I'm not sure. I know they probably want each official to master one position, but I'd like to get experience everywhere.

Another thing: It's my goal to make it to the SEC or ACC one day. I know there's a good chance that I may never get that opportunity. I realize this would take a lot of hard work, dedication, and patience, but what should I tell my district director about this goal? I don't want to sound like I'm some punk kid that thinks he knows it all and is just going to breeze through high school officiating and then take-off at the first opportunity. Should he expect officials to want to work at the college level? How do I make it known that that's my overall goal without appearing arrogant?