Rookie/Mentor Programs

[IowaMike]

There is nothing in my area. When I started I talked to a few veteran officials, registered with the state, read the officials manual to learn the court positioning and mechanics and then went and watched the officials at about 7 or 8 varsity games. However, a lot of guys probably don't even do that much. All you have to do is get registered with the state high school association and know who to call for games. Anyone can get lower level games. The problem around here is that many of the varsity officials refuse to work any lower level games, so how are they going to mentor anyone? I just started picking up a few varsity games late last year and this season but I will always work at least some middle school and jv level games. I enjoy working with different people and watching the players develop over the years from middle school to varsity.