Another point: in South Carolina, all varsity contests (other than pre-season and holiday tournaments) are assigned by the High School League based on the ratings. Sub-varsity contests and those tournaments are assigned by one of 12 district directors. This is what our list of ratings looks like:
http://www.schsl.org/2013Forms/1314SCBOARATINGS.pdf
We submit peer ratings on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) and the average is computed and multiple by 2.5.
I don't love the experience credit category, but I understand people that disagree. In my opinion, if an official is ready for varsity contests in his/her second or third season, there shouldn't be a number that keeps him/her from getting those assignments. I'm glad that we reduced the number of years required for full experience credit from 7 to 5. The Association is trying to get younger officials working varsity games sooner in an attempt to keep them from being discouraged, going to college ball, or leaving the Association (quitting or going to the Independent Schools Officials Association).
If an official doesn't make the Saturday exam, (s)he has to drive to Columbia the following Monday and take it for a $25 fee, and also has two points deducted from his/her rating unless there is a valid excuse for missing.