What is an experienced ref?

[tomegun]

Something from another thread got me thinking about what makes one official more experienced than another. Some might view it as years while some might view it as experience on a certain level.
I know from first hand experience that years of officiating don't and can't make one official more experienced than another if they officiate in different parts of the country. I know guys that have worked so much in so little time that I would have guessed they have been working for about 4 more years than they actually have. There are also officials who have been out there screwing ball games up for 20+ years.
I think the level an official works can play a part in telling the story of their experience. A prime example is Zach Zarba. I'm sure many of us have officiated longer than he has but being on his level has definately made him more experienced.

So what do we look for when we seek out that "more experienced official?" I think I look for someone who is or has been where I want to be. That is not to say I won't listen to others because that isn't the case. I guess experience, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.