New Official!

[AndrewMcCarthy]

One thing you'll learn when you work for a while is that years of experience doesn't mean a whole lot regarding rules and mechanics. I've seen guys with 25 years of bad. If you have lofty expectations you NEED to know the rules. It will be expected of you. 70% on an exam won't cut it.

Study the definitions in Rule 2. Read every single post on these boards regarding a rules question and try to come up with the answer yourself. Even if you know the answer, look it up and see the exact rulebook phrasing.

Get a mentor who will challenge you even during the off season. Make the rules a year-round exercise and it'll fall into place.

I also probably wouldn't let it be known that you're gunning for the big leagues right away. Work in your high school group for a few years and focus solely on that. Don't even worry about college. You won't be able to start college ball for a while anyway. In some places there is a divide between high school and college guys. The less folks you alienate the better. You never know who might be in a position to help you out some day.