Moving up the ladder

[Dennis Nicely]

Advancement?

This is my fourth year officiating and I have to admit that I love it. I don't know why, I just do - sounds like the words from a song. This past Friday, I officiated in my first boys JV game. I thought I did a pretty good job. My commisioner reffed the following "varsity" game and was able to observe some of my game. He made a comment on one of my calls - I had hesitated a fraction on a charge call because I considered a no call. He commented that although he thought I had made the correct call he also thought I hesitated because I was not reffing the defense and had my eye on the offensive player driving into the lane. I was lead and I thought I was responsible for both. I explained the hesitation was because I momentarily considered a no call. At any rate, I am trying to move up and would like to break into the varsity ranks. I am afraid this episode will cause him to bump me back to freshman and middle school ball. My neighbor has been reffing for 20 years for this same commisioner and never had a boys varsity game. What do I need to do to get this behind me and gain another opportunity. I am beginning to think no matter how many games I work, not matter how many clinics I attend and no matter how well I study the rules, I will never get a chance to move up. Any advice from you veterans out there.