[With_Two_Flakes]

.....although its taking them forever to get my stuff to me such as my membership card and my athletic VIP card.

Heh, heh. Imagine what it is like to be in Europe then. Actually in the last few years they have improved, but Ref Mag used to take 2-3 months to get here. Actually wasn't too much of an issue since our season and our Rules changes take place 6 months after the US.

Congrats on getting your patch. Also congrats on joining NASO. I was a member (one of their few European members) for many years. I still subscribe to REFEREE mag, but no longer bother with the NASO membership - I only really had it to cover me insurance wise on trips to the US when I worked occasional high school and small college games.
Some folks on these boards are not so crazy about Ref Mag, but I feel you will learn a lot from reading it - not just the football related stuff but the general officiating philosophy. I read it cover to cover even though (as a Brit) I'm clueless about half of what I read in the baseball and basketball sections. I guess you guys would be if they had a cricket section! Just because someone is writing about another sport, doesn't mean I can't pick up philosophy tips from them.