Youngest Official You Have Worked With or Seen

[NCHSAA]

Originally Posted by grunewar

In our Assocition we have had several 18-20 yr olds work MS, F/JV games and the like. Rare though. We have one early 20's official here that does HS V games. He's the "exception to the rule."

Similar to Mark, our Rec League will train anyone over 13 to do games. The youngest officials will do the 7/8 yr old league (they don't keep score). Based on evaluations is what level of game you will do up to 18U. I've had some 19/20 yr olds do 18U games with me before. Again, they're the exception to the rule - book knowledge, maturity, wisdom, experience, game management skills, composure, etc. are tough at that young age and all come into play. Some develop it earlier than others.

Maybe Justacoach will come along and let you know what his kids do/have done. I've reffed with them for yrs at many levels.

I just turned 20 and find it hard (maybe more weird) to officiate Varsity and Div. II ball under what you described (composure, wisdom, ect.) Not to say that I don't convey those qualities, but to convey them consistently is what I find difficult. The whole place notices when someone my age walks onto the court and to me it feels as if I have to perform at a higher level with being the "odd one out" and youngest. Its hard to talk on the subject in my association since I have the next to youngest beat by 8 - 9 years, so I thought I would bring it up here. Does anyone view this the same or offer any tips?

[youngref33]

I started officiating when I was 14.
I am 20 now and work HS varsity and Junior College Womans.

[JRutledge]

I cannot even remember. Not something I concern myself with, but for a long time not many people were younger than me. Even the newer guys are older than I am now in many cases. I would suspect I have worked with an 18 year old, but I cannot remember for sure.

Peace

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

For a long time not many people were younger than me.

Everybody that I work with, or observe, is younger than me. And they're getting younger every year. At least the players stay the same age every year.

[Kingsman1288]

Originally Posted by NCHSAA

I just turned 20 and find it hard (maybe more weird) to officiate Varsity and Div. II ball under what you described (composure, wisdom, ect.) Not to say that I don't convey those qualities, but to convey them consistently is what I find difficult. The whole place notices when someone my age walks onto the court and to me it feels as if I have to perform at a higher level with being the "odd one out" and youngest. Its hard to talk on the subject in my association since I have the next to youngest beat by 8 - 9 years, so I thought I would bring it up here. Does anyone view this the same or offer any tips?

+1 You just described my exact situation as well. I just work as hard as I can and do the best job I can. I found it became difficult when I went from Frosh/JV to Varsity. Frosh/JV coaches never really gave me much grief, and maybe that's because a lot of them around here were on the younger side as well. With Varsity coaches, I was the young one and the new face. So guess who they decided to pick on during the games? Over the past 2 seasons though, most have backed down and I like to think that's because I proved I work hard and do a good job.

On a side note, what really irks me is when I'm working with a partner and they feel they have to come in and "save" me from a coach or some other situation. I feel it's moves like those that make it difficult for a young official because it gives the coaches and anyone else watching the impression that they can't handle the game or level being played.

[btaylor64]

Originally Posted by NCHSAA

I just turned 20 and find it hard (maybe more weird) to officiate Varsity and Div. II ball under what you described (composure, wisdom, ect.) Not to say that I don't convey those qualities, but to convey them consistently is what I find difficult. The whole place notices when someone my age walks onto the court and to me it feels as if I have to perform at a higher level with being the "odd one out" and youngest. Its hard to talk on the subject in my association since I have the next to youngest beat by 8 - 9 years, so I thought I would bring it up here. Does anyone view this the same or offer any tips?

This to me falls right under "It is what it is" I was in that position just about a couple of years ago. It really is just a matter of experience, coaches seeing you time and time again and going out there and reffing your game consistently. It is about "buy in". It just takes time for coaches to buy in to what you are selling. Stay confident, but not cocky (tough line to walk) and approachable but still stern (know when to draw the line w/ coaches and players) and you will gain your respect eventually...

[26 Year Gap]

spammers are off to an early start tonight. wonder if they'll get paid OT.