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I was in the same boat you guys were in more than a decade ago. 23-24, with a few years under my belt and good reviews from camps and college assignors, decent schedule and some college games. I have looked older than I really am for a while, so that helped me a little, but I realize now I had a lot of immaturity. I believe maturity level (and that covers a LOT of things) is the absolute hardest thing humans (particularly men) can be objective at. Believe me, I had immaturities about me in my 30s, so this isn't age specific, and at 23, you've got a long way to go before immaturity is actually a negative for you.
The problem is that you can't learn maturity from anything but experience and years. Once you hit around 35, I think you'll start to see things about yourself that you didn't realize when younger. The best advice I can give you now is to be patient. Work your opportunities, but don't overwork them -- i.e., don't put yourself in a position that's over your head. Try to be as realistic about yourself as possible, and ask others to evaluate you. If you are working high level high school games at 23, you are far ahead of the vast majority of officials out there.
Also realize that the caveat, be careful what you wish for, is absolutely true. I didn't think it was when I was younger. I set all my goals up, not realizing the time and effort it would take to reach them. Not so much from a hard work standpoint, but from a sacrifice standpoint. When I got married, my perspectives and focus changed. Officiating wasn't as important as it had been. I got out of the game for a while, and don't really regret that, though I sort of wish I had gotten back in a few years sooner, but that's OK.
Finally, don't make officiating your entire life. I know sometimes it seems like it is with the time involved, but excel in your professional AND personal life as well. I believe that if you seek excellence in everything, everything else will take care of itself.
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Sat Nov 18, 2006, 08:56pm
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