[LarryS]

I just completed my first camp and was, in some ways, amazed. Even though it was only a camp for new officials (3 years or less), I was pleased that my game work was not picked apart more. I was also pleased that most of the things the evaluators mentioned in the 2-man work were things I had already identified as areas I needed to work on by watching other officials.

I also had my first 3-man work. In my first game, I was so focused on the positioning and coverage areas that I was concerned I was missing fouls. When I mentioned it to the evaluator before the tape session started, he said from where he was sitting he didn’t see much he would have called that we let pass…all in all, a well called game from a rules enforcement perspective (then proceeded to tear us apart mechanically). That comment, made in passing, finally put in perspective what I had been hearing officials say about advantage/disadvantage. He pulled me aside after my last game and complemented me for correcting most of what he pointed out. If he was just trying to boost the ego back up a notch, it worked…always nice to be complimented by someone who knows how it should be done.

Looking back, I think I learned as much in the stands watching others work and asking questions. Can’t wait for the next camp in August.