[grunewar]

RS - first and foremost, welcome to the Forum!

I'm going into my seventh season, and this will be my third with a full, Varsity schedule. Normal? I don't know, but it was about right for me.

I was brought along very slowly and deliberately. I was made to learn the rules. I think I was trained and mentored well and given games at different levels where I saw many plays and situations over and over again so I could learn to react properly and call them right at the higher levels.

Going from two to three-person mechanics took some work, but, the most difficult adjustment for me at Varsity initially, was the speed of the game and size of the players. At the younger levels the "above the rim" play doesn't enter into the equation - and you must be ready. After a few years now though, the game has slowed down appreciably and I am more accustomed to it.

As JRut said, the game at the Varsity level can also be a bit easier in some aspects as the players are more disciplined. Some players get an understanding and feel for the game and "almost get it." There can be less hand-checking and stupid fouls, less jump balls and traveling, better D, more disciplined offenses that allow the game to flow, etc.

If you have a good Association, they'll help you move along at the pace that's right for you. If you have a question about the speed in which you're moving up, ask! Someone might be honest with you - right or wrong, so be ready. Find a mentor if you can.

Good luck!