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So many good responses, so little time to add mine . . .
Three years ago, while conducting a training meeting for 140+ HS officials, all levels, I asked for a show of hands of those of us who had played at least JrH, HS, or College basketball - 7 - less than 5%. Every one of those present are better officials than are the fans. Every one was there to improve. And, most of them would be considered good to excellent officials on the floor!
Yes, when I work with a newer official, I can readily tell whether he/she has a player's comprehension of the game. Some of his/her perceptions may be an advantage, some are not. And then I have to approach their training differently - trying to remove the misconceptions of a player, rather than those of a fan, coach, parent, etc.
All officials have the same goal - to be a great official. And we each have our limitations. And every official deserves respect, especially from his/her peers.
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To be good at a sport, one must be smart enough to play the game -- and dumb enough to think that it's important . . . 
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