<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Geneva">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Wanabe:
I did some officiating this summer in New York and would like to become a high school basketball official. What is the best way to go about doing this?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Contact your state association and ask when and where the test is given. Ask them about the local official associations. I'd advise joining one that has a mentoring program for new officials. They should help you get some games also. Work as many youth level games as possible. Go and watch vetran officials work. Don't be afraid to make mistake. Good luck!

I did some officiating this summer in New York and would like to become a high school basketball official. What is the best way to go about doing this?

I suggest you contact a few high schools in your wide area (more than a
local community). Ask them for the phone number of the local basketball
official assignor. (This is the person who locates officials for their
games.)

Call the assignor and ask about the association. As indicated in the posted
response, you want to find an association that does a good job of mentoring
and training. (Our camp holds on-court clinics each year that everyone must
attend.) Also, once in the association, identify a couple of experienced
officials (preferably evaluators) who you get along with very well. Ask
them for help. Ask them to watch your games. Ask for scrimmages (unpaid
games where you too are coached on your officiating). Work all the youth
league games you can schedule. Keep notes on your games. Ask you partner
for feedback (but recognize they may not know any more than you do). Work
spring league if you can.

Go to high school games. Get there early, and meet the officials.
Introduce yourself, and if you are in their association, ask if you may join
them for their pre-game and half-time discussions. Listen. Ask a few
questions if it is obvious they have the time for it. Listen some more.

Consider summer camps, but check them out carefully. Some camps are
intended as interview sessions for college work. These will not help you,
and usually cost a lot! Find out if the camp will match your experience
level. If run by people in your own association, the benefit is double
because they are getting to know you and your skills better. (I'm assuming
skills are present -- just kidding. Be sure you have a sense of humor.)
Some camps will video tape your game, with a commentator talking about how
you are doing recorded on the sound track. These are great because you take
home something you can watch and find additional things to work on.