Back at the end of October I posted this thread:
http://officialforum.com/showthread.php?threadid=6124 asking for advice in dealing with a problem I'd experienced with a senior official in my association. I received a lot of helpful advice from people on this board that I took to heart and did my best to apply in real life.
I just wanted to, first of all, thank everyone that gave me such great advice. Secondly, I thought I'd update the board on future developments in my officiating career. I'll begin with a recap: At the first practical evaluation I had a problem with the aforementioned senior official who singled me out in the middle of the court over a mechanics issue. My response was sub-adequate and I was lambasted for it. A second practical was held about a month after the first. In the days leading up to the evaluation I was a bundle of nerves. I felt ill every time I thought about it and was dreading walking into that gymn on the Saturday afternoon.
When I arrived the official with whom I'd had the previous issue was already there. As soon as he saw me he nodded and said "Hi Joel." He shadowed me during the scrimmage that followed and was effusive in his praise. I'd made a conscious effort to work on bending at the hip and I made sure that every time he corrected me on something I'd bob my head, say "Yes, sir" and get it right the next time. At the end he shook my hand, congratulated me and said he felt I had great potential. Last Monday, I passed the second Theory Exam and became a fully accredited official. My first assignment is a double-header this Saturday for a Bantam (Gr. 7 and 8) select tournament. I've decided to ask for advice this time before the big event. Any advice going into my first game?
Thanks again for the advice, past as well as future.