New Official!

[Forksref]

Through the local associationk, try to hook up with an experienced official as a mentor. This might take the form of a crew. Go with the crew to the varsity games that they do and be there for the pre-game, half-time, post-game. Walk the sideline with the wing officials and absorb as much as you can.

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by Mike22Official

The SCFOA publishes the exam grades for each official, and it seems that I'd be doing awesome if I got a 70 on my first attempt.

I think SC is a little bit different than most states. I just got started here two years ago. The state director creates the exam and it is usually hard. The first year I was in, we had around 8 new officials. I think about half failed. (Those failing get a make up/easy exam, but will probably just get JV games.)

I'm having a blast in the SC organization. If you wish, e-mail me at [email protected] if you have any specific questions.

[Time2Ref]

Mike,

Why shoot for 70%? If you fall a little short on that goal, you fail! It would be like saying that you are only going to polish one shoe. Why not shoot for 100%? You can do it if you try.

Perfection is not attainable, but it makes a nice goal.

Check with the local association first. They might have a class for new officials.

Also, everyone is willing to give advice. Learn who is giving good advice and take it. After you find out who is giving bad advice, act like you are listening to them and smile. Don't make veteran officials look bad in front of others. That never pays off.

[ChickenOfNC]

My first advice, drop out of that cow college you're attending.

Just kidding. Of course, being a gamecock I have to give you a hard time.

You've gotten some good advice in this thread, not much more I can give you. One thing I would say a new official needs is to be able to take constructive criticism. We've had new officials come in that either were crushed any time you pointed out something they might want to work on, or thought they knew it all and didn't want to hear it.

This gig is all trial and error. Not a single one of us has ever had a perfect game, but we are all striving toward that goal. Listen to the old timers. There is so much more about officiating than what is in the books. Good field presence and judgment takes time and experience, and it takes failure. Learn from your mistakes.

Great that you're getting in at such a young age. I kick myself everyday for not getting in at your age.

But most of all.....HAVE FUN!!!!

[Mike22Official]

Originally Posted by Time2Ref

Mike,

Why shoot for 70%? If you fall a little short on that goal, you fail! It would be like saying that you are only going to polish one shoe. Why not shoot for 100%? You can do it if you try.

Whoa, I never said I was shooting for 70%. I said it appeared, judging from last year's SC's exam scores, I'd be doing good to get a 70. I'm DEFINITELY shooting for perfection. Make no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I'd love to walk in and get the highest score ever for a first-year official. Will it happen? Maybe not, but I'm sure as hell going to try my best.

ChickenofNC, I knew immediately from your name that you had to be a Gamecock fan. Why else would anyone be proud to call themselves a chicken? LOL.

I look forward to your's and everyone else's advice in the future.