Staying Excited

[refnrev]

Originally Posted by a4caster

Hey y'all,
I vowed that after I got promoted to Certified (the highest level in state) that I would stay in until the body can't take it. But, now I'm not sure. Anyone else ever gone through, or going through, a lack of confidence period?

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I'm curious, how did you achieve the highest level of the state without working V games? Did you not have to be evaluated and recommended by other certified officials? Your state must do things differently.

[a4caster]

My deepest appreciation to all of the replies. Life is kind of funny; the other night I wrote this, and a few days past, and I have a good potential to pick up some games this year. The biggest thing I have done recently is just find peace . And sitting out a few games and just resting has done that.
To clarify some major points...

"Do you have a mentor? Do you attend camps regularly? Have you ever asked anyone for an honest evaluation? Have you ever talked to one of your assignors about your ability or where you stand?"

I attend two to three camps yearly. There are some great refs that I talk to regularly and they understand my situation. They honestly seek opportunities for me, but sometimes others have more pull. As far as an honest evaluation, everyone says "great game" but I can't get anything further than that. My pessimistic side says that's so those in power can keep me down. That sounds cruel, but we all have these people.

"I'm curious, how did you achieve the highest level of the state without working V games? Did you not have to be evaluated and recommended by other certified officials? Your state must do things differently."

In our state, we have a closed-book part 2 test and ratings from Varsity coaches and certified officials. Back when I got promoted, I had more games, so I was able to work those games. Every time after the games, the coaches and refs said I was going great, but go figure.

To all, thanks for the encouragement. One of these days, the answer will come and all will make sense. But sometimes, one needs to vent, and I appreciate your support during this time. Have a ball on the court (sorry, I couldn't resist :>)

[JRutledge]

What state do you live in? You sound a lot like you work in my state.

Peace

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by refnrev

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I'm curious, how did you achieve the highest level of the state without working V games? Did you not have to be evaluated and recommended by other certified officials? Your state must do things differently.

Bob,

I think he's talking about holding the highest level of license in that state (i.e. e.g. in Illinois: X, R, & C. C being the highest.)

[Grail]

Have you joined an association? Do you attend all the meetings? Do you actively participate in those meetings? Do you attend any of the social outings? Have you done anything that gets you noticed by the assignors or other respected officials in your area?

None of those things relate to whether or not you are a good official, but they all relate to how games are assigned. I am a 5th year official in IL, and hopefully passed my test for the top level last night. I am just beginning be assigned to Varsity contests. I did many of the same things you did, attending camps, asking people about my game, etc..

The one thing I have also worked at is getting my name out there. I always participate in the meetings. I do my best to attend every one. We have 3 scheduled nights out (usually on Fridays after the games). I always attend, even if I didn't have a game that night. Attending meetings has value in improving my knowledge and thus my officiating. The rest is just getting known. Now that people know who I am, when they need a sub, they can mention my name. Hopefully they are acknowledging my skills as well, but as you mentioned, skill alone does not seem to be enough.

[REFVA]

The desire to lace up the shoes and get on the court just isn't there anymore.

I'm not sure if I got why you are loosing the love? Are you getting frustrated becuase of the level of games you are getting or is there anything else that is playing on that love as well, outside influences. we all have to go through times of proving ourselves. even after we do we are only as good as the last good game we did. I agree with Rut, get together with someone who will be honest with you about your abilities. Trust me it will happen for you. the other issue could be that the politics are playing a huge role in why you are getting the level of games that you are. IMO

Keep on Trucking!

[BktBallRef]

If you aren't getting varsity games, ask yourself why? And be honest.

What could I do that I'm not doing?

Are there areas that I could improve upon?

Have you discussed your opportunities with the assignor?

[LarryS]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Have you discussed your opportunities with the assignor?

In my opinion, this is the biggest thing. Where I live we have one assignor for the entire association. Last year, varsity games made up just over 10% of my schedule. I spoke with the assignment secretary and asked his opinion. I started the conversation with "Like everyone in the chapter, I want an entire varsity schedule. I know time will play a part in that and trust that you are giving me the schedule you think I merit. I want to change your opinion of my ability so what are the areas where you think I need to focus? Please, be brutally honest."

We had a good conversation and I found out that much of it had to do with things other than calling fouls...as he said I "called a good game." ...mechanics, appearance, game management, etc. I worked hard on those things while calling summer ball and only attended camps where he would be on staff. It worked...so far this year my schedule is 60% varsity.

[refnrev]

Originally Posted by tjones1

Bob,

I think he's talking about holding the highest level of license in that state (i.e. e.g. in Illinois: X, R, & C. C being the highest.)

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I got that part, but you have to be evaluated by Certified officials while doing V games to go to R or C here. It must be different where he is.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by refnrev

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I got that part, but you have to be evaluated by Certified officials while doing V games to go to R or C here. It must be different where he is.

In Illinois that is not true anymore. They got rid of the "varsity game" requirement about 3 years ago (maybe longer). All you have to do is be evaluated working any HS level game. Trust me, I went for promotion in football last year and received evaluations in non-varsity games. The state relaxed many issues with promotion to make it a little more reasonable to become promoted.

Not everyone is going to work a varsity game in by their 5th season. Which is the earliest someone can become promoted to the Certified level if everything else is on time.

Peace