Here lies a Hampshire Grenadier
Who caught his death
Drinking cold small beer.
A good soldier is ne'er forgot
Whether he dieth by musket
Or by pot.

(Gosh.....100 years have certainly altered the meaning of that poem!)

JCrow,

You and I would get along great. My wife says all I think about is Golf and Reffing Basketball. There is a problem with the ditty, though. In Minnesota until next year, the home wears the dark jerseys!!

One thing I forgot to tell the newbie. Make sure you attend ALL the clinics that are offered. The more you are seen, the more you will work. And everything the others has said.

To the newbie, some things that may help:

Talk to the assigner. Tell him that you're concerned that you've not gotten any games. Ask him if there's a problem and also what you could realistically expect your first year. Keep it all positive and upbeat.

Then keep your bag in your car, packed. Let your assigner know that you're available for last minute cancellations.

I had one assigner who was on IM during the day, so I'd check in a couple of times a week just to see if he's got anything. I got some cancellations merely because it was more convenient to give them to me ('cuz I was right there) than to go online and re-assign them.

[Edited by Back In The Saddle on Jan 12th, 2006 at 03:06 PM]

Hey Guy's,

Thank you all very much for your positive advice. I built up enough courage and sent the assignor an email, letting him know that I'm in my first year and I've been doing a little Fr/JV and Middle School games outside of the chapter. And, that I'm available if he needs me. Hopefully I'll hear from him. I'm not expecting much, but something (anything) would help.

Thanks....

I know this is a late, late reply but that is quite funny. The parody set to "Walk the Line" in Message 5 of this thread.

If you do not mind me asking, what is funny?

Peace

I wonder if dacodee ever got any games.

Be late. Be needed. Be right.

I'll let others track the score.

Look at the names of some of the posters in this thread--JCrow, Chuck Elias, Jurassic Referee, brianp134! :cool:

I miss those days. :(

Wait A Minute, That's A Groundhog, Nevermind ...
 

Chuck Elias posts once a year in early April, but then he sees his shadow, and hides in his den for another year.

Except when he has to walk the dog.

Hello! Actually, my schedule has been getting better every year. I love it!!!

Naturally, I've run into the good 'ol boy club with regards to some assigners. But it's all been good. I'm working almost everyday of the week, with about 50% of my schedule being varsity.

Thanks

I'm in my first year. I came into this thinking that an assignor only wants to hear the following from a new guy:

- Yougest of the Youth levels - no problem
- Games early - no problem
- Games late - no problem
- Call me day of game because someone else is sick - no problem
- Games Sunday afternoon during football season - no problem
- A single game 35 miles from the house - no problem

In short I figured that like many things in life you start taking what's offered, show a desire to work to improve, respect the guys who have done this consistently and well for a while and eventually good things will happen.

ref3808 - Great outlook and definitely a good way to start!