1st year as an official

[parepat]

Buck up new official. I feel that way to this day when I have a bad game. However, with experience they are fewer and farther apart. It could be worse.

My first game (JV) I was working a wing on a breakaway run. I was young and enthusiastic and ran stride for stride with the ball carrier. When he crossed the goal line I was there with my hands up and whistle blowing. It was a few seconds later that I realized that we weren't at the goal line but the ten yard line. The referee saved me and awarded a touchdown. As I walked back up the field I heard a fan yell, "first game ref?"

I can look back now and laugh, but at the time I thought I would never get any better. My advice: work alot of games, critique your performance after each game; and, focus on three things to work on in the next game. Good luck.