[tomegun]

I have an opinion on this subject.

I think the association/conference is the determining factor in how much of a pecking order exists. Being retired military - don't get it twisted, I'm not old - I have had to move three times in the last 7 years. The first stop, DC, the assigners saw me work and I got games. People were pissed off because I got high visibility games. Next stop Mississippi. The assigner saw me work and I got games. Again, people were pissed because of the games I got. Back "home" to Las Vegas. Totally different situation and I have to work hard to keep my mouth shut. I can't complain totally because I still get some high visibility games, but there are other things going on.

Now, I'm a varsity official who has had some success on the college level and I absolutely hate the politics that go on in basketball officiating. I hate it when I hear someone talk down to someone else - I hated it in the military too. If I'm secure in where I'm at I find no reason to talk to people like that.

If the OP belongs to Cardinal (IAABO), they have a reputation for holding people back because they are "new" to their association. Thank goodness I lived in Maryland instead of Northern VA.

I could go on and on about this subject. Unfortunately, basketball officiating is far too political.