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[Ignats75]

After the game, on Friday nights we would go have a beverage or two and I'd sit in the corner, listen and ask questions. Its a great way to learn!

A lot can be learned just listening to war stories.

[Junker]

I think you might be misunderstanding. It really isn't (or shouldn't be) the socializing that helps you move up the ladder. It is being good at what you do. The conversations that can be had with veteran officials will help you learn the game in a different way and often much faster than if you are just feeling your way on your own. If you're not the hanging out with the boys kind of guy, make sure you go to your association meetings (if there is one). If that doesn't work, find a mentor and take he and his wife out for dinner. There is no substitute for experience, but you can get through a lot of early pitfalls by drawing from others who have been there and done that.