Longtime listener, first time caller

[OverAndBack]

Just found this message board. I did my first three basketball games today. Took a course, took a test, studied, went to watch other officials work, and then did three games this afternoon.

All I can say is, "This is hard."

I know the rest of you already know this. I've been around sports forever as a player and media type, but this was my first time on the court in this capacity.

I was not good the first game. I wasn't good the second game, but I was better than I was in the first game. I wasn't good in the third game, either, but I was better than I was in the second game.

I'm doing three more games tomorrow (this is 5th and 6th grade girls, so I can't really hurt anybody).

I couldn't believe that what you'd think were the simplest things just aren't - I haven't even blown the whistle correctly yet.

Luckily, I was working with one very experienced official on the first game and a semi-experienced official in the second and third games.

Sorry to ramble, but my question is - does everyone feel this way after the first time you do this? It's hard and I'm a bit bummed I didn't do a better job. Do we all usually do badly the first time?

Thanks.