How are you Rated and Moved up to Higher level games?

[Jfpdi]

Just curious how others are rated and considered qualified for higher level games. In the area I work you are rated by your partner and the coaches of the games you work. Depending on their evaluations determines if and when you are moved to JV and then Varsity level games. You must do 2 years of JV games before our board will consider moving someone to Varsity.
I find this system somewhat frustrating because the Board members who move you to the next level do not do any observations of candidates for promotion and we do not run any sort of clinics where up and coming officials can show their ability.