Being young sucks

[Hawks Coach]

1. Know what you are doing, and do it well.

2. Do it with confidence, but not arrogance.

3. Never let them know that you know they are baiting you (never let it seem personal).

If you come across as competent and professional, especially if they try to get under your skin, it will usually stop. Sure, some coaches are always trying to get an edge and will never change. But many may just think that you look too young to be able to do the job. For the latter group, it's like anything else in life. Show you can do it without seeming like a young know-it-all and they will quickly forget your age and begin regarding you as any other official. And if you master this on the court, you will be successful in other areas of life.

Being young and good doesn't really suck - it puts you ahead of everybody else who got to where you are a little later. If you get really good at what you do, it gives you more opportunities to advance because you have more time to advance. When you get to the age tha they would look at you for a college official, you will have much more experience than the average ref your age.