First off, I would just like to say that I have really enjoyed "lurking" on this board for almost a year now. I just joined in the last month or so. There are some very knowledgeable(sp) people on this board and I appreciate it.

My question is this--

Last year was my first year in the Chapter to officiate but my fourth year overall. We had a camp that our local chapter put on. I got some very great feedback and several of the camp coordinators told me that I should think about going to a college camp next summer. They told me that I probably won't be picked up right away because I am so young but it would be good exposure. Is this a good idea and if so how do I go about doing this? I am only 20 and I really enjoy the little high school games that I do get. I wouldn't mind moving on to the next level but I was under the impression that it takes a really long time.

I know this is a little off season but there was nothing else to do.

KingTJ,
I say go to the college camp.
Yeah, it takes time to get chosen, generally. Start at 20 and be reffing by 24; start at 30 and be reffing by 33; start at 54 and be reffing at .... Oops, too late!
If you have JUCOs in the area, it could happen sooner.
mick

Never too young to go to camp
 

KingTJ,
I agree that it is never too young to go
to a college camp. The more experience
and learning opportunities you have, the better.
You must understand from the college assignor's
eyes you may be "too young" right now. You are
the age and at times younger than the players
you would be officiating. But, in a few years,
you will already have that camp experience and
be ready to be picked up. I'm 25 and doing
Division 1 this coming season, so you're definitely
not starting too early. Good luck.
Lori

Re: Never too young to go to camp
 

Lori - please don't take this the wrong way. I don't mean this as a put down or in any way a judgement of your ability - but only as an inquiry.

Since I think most of us would agree that working D1 is a little unusual for someone of your age (although not unheard of), do you think you advanced faster up the ladder due to your gender? I continually encourage females to take officiating seriously because I think there is a great opportunity for them to move up quickly in today's climate, mostly due to the increased emphasis on women's collegiate and pro basketball.

Do you have the pro game as your ultimate goal?

I definitely don't take offense to your question
Mark. I think I have a mixed answer for you though.

I think that several years ago when women officials
were just coming to the spotlight that it could have
been true that women were picked up to even out the
ratio of men to women. But, not today. There are
lots of women officials out there already on rosters.
I don't think they would pick you up just to be a
minority (female) number.

However, as an addition and possible contradiction to
this, I think they are looking for women to officiate
women's collegiate ball. I think the conferences
nationwide like the thought of women doing women's games.
So, did I contradict myself? I'm not sure!

I didn't answer your question on
professional aspirations...

I am definitely open to that if it
should play out that way. One of my
(very young, male) friends just got
picked up with the WNBA this season
and hearing him talk about
it really makes me want to do it.

Thanks you all for the comments. I really want to go to one now! I am looking forward to a great season!