[grunewar]

Welcome Chuck. Thanks for your story. Happened to many of us.

My first Rec game many yrs ago, all I knew was what I thought I knew. No training. never read a Ruels Book, Case Book or Officials Manual. My P was experienced, but, let's say "well beyond his prime."

Part way through the game, he comes up to me at a time out and asks, "Why do you keep Ting up the coach?" Oh, you mean that's not the time out signal? What did I know?

Another first timer, I had many yrs later was a HS kid. I had refereed him for many yrs, and after graduation, he decided to try it. After the 1st qtr, he handed me the whistle and said it wasn't for him.

Like anything else it can be very discouraging at first. Parents, players, coaches yapping. You feel unsure, etc. Keep at it and give it a try and maybe good things will happen in time.