I think I must have died and gone to heaven, I've waited so long to hear these magic words, "You have really improved!"
I must have heard it ten times today.

I've known it for a long time (I mean--let's face it--I had no place to go but up!!), but I have been really craving recognition. I noticed at camp last weekend that the critique was definitely at the next level up, but I didn't hear those magic words, "You have really improved!!" I know I've still got a long way to go, but just for today, I'm going to rest on my laurels and bask in the glory, and feel really superior and terrific. It's been a long time coming, and I intend to milk every ounce of enjoyment out of it.

Someone asked me today (there were actually a few at this camp who were less experienced than I) how I had gotten such a good evaluation. I'd say, hard work, a listening ear, and this discussion board. Heck, if I can do it, anyone can!!

Juulie - your goal now should be to not hear the same comment 10 years from now. ;)

Died And Gone To Heaven
 

Rainmaker.
Congradulations on having a good camp, and may you continue to go up the officiating ladder.
Hey Julie,
for the record, why do they call you Rainmaker? Did you knock down alot of jumpshots as a player to earn that nickname?

Re: Died And Gone To Heaven
 

Everyone who lives in Portland and washes their car is a rainmaker.

Here's some more rain jokes about Portland:

People here don't tan, they rust.

Last year, 50 people fell off their bicycles - and drowned!

Come visit during our annual Rain Festival - January through December each year.

We can tell when it's summer - the rain gets warmer.

We're changing the name of our city to "Pourtland".

Why wouldn't you want to hear this in 10 years? Certainly, few have moved up in the ranks of officiating by not improving.

After 10 years of doing almost anything improvement
should come in exceedingly fine, gradual steps. Certainly
not noticable enough to be seen as having "*really*
improved".

Good points, Dan, and I also don't want people to be shocked at my improvement any more!

congrats julie!!:)

constructive criticism
 

Reality is that it is much easier to point out the deificiewncies of a newer official because those with more experience are really trying to offer constructive criticism.
It just doesn't come out that way sometimes!
If I go to "observe" a rookie, I try to give them a few things to work on to get better. I have a high standard of performance and expectation. (25+ years exp).
I am finally realizing that PRAISE might be a better approach or at least a compliment if deserved.
How do you (as a rookie) feel? I know that you want to hear
a "way to go" or "you've improved so much it bring tears to my eyes." Should the partner or observor be hypocritical?
Should praise be given when there are lots of deficiencies?
BTW I think that praise is necessary, but not to be given lightly. When you prove you CAN REF, you will know it by how the players, coaches, fans, and partners treat you.
Obviously you are paying your dues and working hard, so I commend you; way to go!

Mark-
Portland doesn't rain! Where I live in Alaska....that is rain!

AK ref SE

We wash are car while it is raining!

I found that out the hard way. My wife and I took an Alaskan cruise for our 10th weding anniversary. Unfortunately, the cruise literature doesn't mention that Alaska contains the only temperate rain forest in the northern hemisphere!! We made the best of it, but it sure didn't look like the pictures in the brochure.

Chuck

Chuck-
I live in the middle of the rain forest! When the sunshines it looks better than pictures in the Brochure!
Love Alaska

AK ref SE

Where in SE do you live? I lived in Petersburg and just outside Juneau for several years...the only difference in the rain there and here in the Pacific Northwest is the amount that actually falls - the number of days with rain isn't that far off, it just tends to be a lighter rain here...I remember that when it rained up there, it really came down hard for a couple of hours and then quit...

RockyRoad-
I live in Juneau. Most of the time in Juneau it is just wet, you can walk 200 yards and not get wet!
We will get the occasional downpours also.

AK ref SE

Please don't get me wrong. I absolutely loved the parts of Alaska that I saw. It was just not what I expected. I took a "whalewatch" while in Juneau and it was probably the best part of the whole trip. It was really amazing.

Chuck