[Back In The Saddle]

As one who was recently in your shoes, here's a few things that helped me.

1. Get the books--Rule book, case book, and mechanics book. You can call your state association, but they might be out (it's the off season), my association was when I called. If they are, contact the NHFS. That's where I got mine. Last year's book is okay, there are only a few changes, and they're listed on the NHFS site. Read 'em. Then read 'em again.

2. Work, work, work. Beg for games, do youth leagues, whatever it takes, just get working. Your judgement and mechanics will only start to really develop on the court.

3. Listen to everything and everyone at camp. Read the recent thread on my first camp. All the advice given was right on the mark. The evaluators will be very helpful. Your fellow campers will also have a lot to teach you.

4. Hang out on this board. The discussions are insightful. The off-topic stories are usually pretty funny. And that whacky squirrel shows up from time to time. It's probably the most useful read you'll find on the topic. But, when somebody asks a question, don't just accept the first answer given. Sometimes it's wrong and subsequent posts will correct it.

5. Learn to be an official. There's a big difference between a guy with a striped shirt and an official. An official is professional in his appearance and demeanor. An official hustles and acts the part. An official commands respect, the striped-shirted one is left demanding respect. Learn to be fair, firm, and when to show the stop sign. An official uses common sense and preventive officiating to steer clear of trouble. An official is not intimidated by players, coaches, or fans. He/she knows that most calls will be unpopular with somebody, and doesn't care. An official works with his/her partner as a team. An official knows that the game is about the players, not the coaches, fans, parents, or the officials. An official knows where his personal line is and is not afraid to give the T to anybody who crosses it. You will never gain respect, especially from coaches, by not giving the T when it's deserved.

6. Watch other officials. But...be careful. I had some setbacks early on because I watched a couple of varsity officials working a local game and started to emulate some of their bad habits.

7. Get a mentor.

8. If it stops being fun, change something or get out. Nobody likes a surly ref whose only in it for the money. If it isn't fun, it isn't worth doing.

9. Know who to take advice from. Always consider the source. Lots of people will be happy to give you advice. Consider their bias and why they want you to do what they advise. Discard the chaff, keep the good stuff.

10. Some days you're the statue, some days you're the pigeon. Don't let a bad game get you down. Learn and move on. One of my most important lessons so far came on the night I almost gave it up for good.

Hope it helps.