A thought for younger officials

[Terrapins Fan]

I expect I am much like a lot of other officials. This is my 12th year of refereeing. After my 4th year I began to get post season assignments.

Year after year I would get 1 first round game, no 2nd assignment. The first round match ups are so easy to referee. There's no challenge there. I like to be challenged.

In don't know if I will get a 2nd round game this year, but I know that I could handle it and I have earned it. My regular season schedule this year improved by leaps and bounds. I have refereed #1,#2 & #3 teams at least 6 times this year and probably more. I thought I was ready several years ago for these game, but I wasn't.

3 years ago, I called 20 "T"s through about 50 games. This year I have a total of 5, with 2 coming in 1 game as I posted about a week ago. I have refereed about 50 games or so this season. I am more patient, I have a more patient whistle.

I believe time helps most of us. I am older and I know I won';t have the same opportunities that a 30 year old officials has. ( I am 57 ). But for younger, newer officials, keep working, all levels, go to camps, find a good mentor and be patient.

Good luck to all of you. I think you have a leg up, just by reading this board.