I am a second year ref so I would like to add somethings that worked for me.
Try to call some scrimmage games. Find out if your association has some to offer. If not find a mentor, call some schools and offer to work some. My mentor and some other veteran officials worked with me in 6 or 7 scrimmage games before the season started. Sometimes they mirrored me and told me where to look, what to watch for, etc. Sometimes I mirrored them. Very valuable and I felt very comfortable by the time my "first" game came.
Keep a journal of every game. Write about good points nad bad. At the end of every entry, list 3-5 things you want to work on for the next game.
Read this forum everyday. Note things you learned.
Read your rules. Find the test questions and answers and go over them often.
Get in front of a mirror and practice your mechanics.
Good luck! I hope you have a great and fun year.
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