[JRutledge]

Get a mentor. Find people that are at the level you want to achieve if you can. If that is the varsity level in HS, find someone you respect or like their ability as an official.

You do not want to follow people that have not achieved the level you want to be at. If you want to do college ball, it will be difficult learn the college game from an official that has never done that level. Or if you want to do D1 and that official is not at the D1 level themselves.

The main reason you need to do this is basically because they can share accurately the ins and outs of achieving that level and staying at those levels. All those thing you covered like the politics, mechanics, rules, dealing with coaches can be shared by someone that has been there. And better yet, you can move up by an officials recommendation much easier than doing it by yourself.

I just yesterday worked with a guy that I consider a mentor that does D1. And everything he was telling me was related to calling the college game. Even thought we were doing a HS summer league, all his advice was geared toward what was college officiating. He is always stressing to me Game Management, not all this other stuff some claim. Calling your primary, knowing the time on the clock when things happen, knowing "on the floor" the possession arrow not relying on the table. Simply knowing what it takes to get hired and what it takes to get fired if you move to that level. These are things I have never heard any HS only official talk about on a consistent basis. And all his advice have made me a much better HS officials.

Just my thoughts.

Peace