I am going to my first meeting, Sunday the 22. I am just wonder what do you guys/gals usally do at meetings first meetings at that? Any help would be great. Thanks

Sleep.

Listen very closely. If in doubt, ask.

Smile.
Don't talk about yourself or your old war stories.

You think Brandan is old enough to have any old war stories?

Probably not, Dan.
I should have said something else, ... like to not get in a one-upsmanship experience dialogue. :)

mick

I like to play Tetris on my Palm Pilot Organizer.

First, you stand up and say, "Hi, my name is Brandan, and I'm an alcoholic."

Then everyone says "Hi, Brandan!"

Then you have to admit that you are powerless over your addiction...

Oh, wait, wrong meeting.

:D

It's situations like this that make me glad that I bought a cell phone with games. Another good thing for us students to do is homework. If you sit far enough back it just looks like you're taking notes. ;)

Introduce yourself around, and if you have them in mind already, tell people what your aspirations are so that they can introduce you to the same type of people.

Good Luck! I will be attending a few meetings as a " new to the area " offial myself soon :)

seriously
 

Brandan-

These comments are coming from guys that have been to many of these meetings. I'm not sure how the meetings are in your area versus mine. However, the reality is that you are new to this and will be trying to improve yourself and likely want to be moving up. Pay attention in the meeting. Bring a notebook so you can jot down questions or useful points. You may also want to write down the names of those that are speaking- they are likely the leaders in your association (and the ones that control your promotions). Dress appropriately and find someone that has already taken an interest in mentoring you; allow that person to introduce you to other relavent refs. Never say anything negative about anyone (you never know who they know.)

Once you get your questions you can ask someone you know there or bring them here. Good luck.

Dress appropriately??? What do you have to wear
?

He got me there too. Not sure what that means. But in a officials meeting, you wear whatever you are comfrontable unless otherwise stated. I might show up to my meetings in a T-Shirt and some sweatpants. Or if I come from directly from my job, I might be dressed in business casual or a suit. It just depends on where I am coming from. But not sure what an association would expect. We have guys that are contractors and trade workers that are not going to come in anything special.

Peace

It's hard to go wrong with business casual (khakis and a polo). Be sure to take your schedule for the year, rule books and something to take notes on. Young officials can usually score points by looking like they care about officiating. If you haven't learned by now, appearance plays a huge role in our "hobby".

response
 

whistleone put it well.

Dress appropriately means just that. If you want to be taken seriously here you may want to show the veterans and decision makers that you respect the process enough to wear something clean and neat (business casual is appropriate for our meetings). I wouldn't come to a meeting in sweats and a t-shirt. That is me. I don't judge those that do, but I don't want to give fuel for others to judge me. Just some friendly advise. If you (or anyone) find that this is appropriate for them, fine too.:)