Keeping new officials?

[doghead]

I'm a newbie (in my second season). Last year I did mostly catholic grade school games. Here in Western PA, these assignments are usually scheduled as two games; a 5th/6th grade game followed by a 7th/8th grade game. One would think that these would be fairly "safe" games for a new official to start, but let me tell you these games get WILD! It is not unusual for the gym to get packed on a weekday evening for a girls' 7th/8th grade game. Now this year, I'm scheduled for the same plus ten JV high school games. Now the crowd is not that big at these JV games, however the coaches know and expect more from you. I had my second JV game last night and really kicked a couple of calls and feel I did a poor job. I'm having a hard time shaking it off today. Anyway, about the mentoring... I have been lucky to receive much support from most people with whom I have worked. As for those who clearly were not interested in helping/mentoring, I learned what I do NOT want to do. I hope that I will always be supportive of those with less experience than I. Regarding the remark above that "some personality types are not suited for officiating"...I think that officiating can help one develop self confidence. I know that it has helped me a great deal in this area. I was encouraged by a remark given to me by a veteran official last summer when I attended a camp for "newbies". He said, "Remember, ANYBODY can become a good basketball official IF he/she wants to put the work into it!" So, I'll keep trying to improve and learn from my mistakes (like last night), shake-it-off, and move on! Just my 2 cents. Can you tell that I'm a mother of three and been stuck in the house all day with noone to talk to? Thank God for this discussion board! I'll shut-up now!