When did you try to move up, JV and Varsity?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RSturgell

Hey everyone, new to the forum. Really enjoy reading everyone's thoughts and opinions.
Just got my certification last year in basketball. Question is when you were starting out when did you feel comfortable trying to offiiciate J.V. games. Or did you try to stay with JH games for a while.
Last year I was able to do multiple JH games and a good bit of youth travel leagues. I'm trying to get as much experience as possible before trying to move to Varsity in a couple of years. Thanks for the feedback.

I worked JV games off the bat. Actually a JV game was my first HS game ever. I did work some elementary school games basketball first, but that was only because the high school basketball season did not start yet.

Honestly I do not understand why people feel that they are going to learn any more at the JH level before they work a HS game? You will likely have the same amount of people in the gym and sometimes less in HS (and that does depend on what you call JV and when it is played) and the same ignorant coaches and fans the major difference is they are just watching older kids play. Actually the older the kids the more composed they are and the more body control they have. It is easier to call fouls and easier to identify movements. JH, they might not even know what they are doing and you had to decide how technical you want to be. Work as many games as you can to get experience. I do not think it is good to limit yourself to only one level.

Also getting to the varsity level ultimately will not be your choice. Someone will make that choice for you by either giving you a game or deciding you are ready, which is why you should work whatever you can and gain experience. You do not want to get to the varsity too soon without being ready first.

Peace