Ready for camps
 

Paid my dues today and ready to become the best official I can be.what do the average first year's in your areas struggle with?

So I think it has alot to do with how you come to the game. In my case, I was a parent/fan for volleyball. I had played recreation level. I was an experienced official with 20+ years of baseball umpiring.

Things that I found challenging:

Learning the actual rules of the game... (Did I mention that I was a volleyball parent;^)

As R2:
- efficiently managing the benches, table, substitutions, etc.
- learning to not watch the ball, that's R1's job
- Getting the jersey number for a violation (we never care in baseball)

As R1:
Maintaining the rythm of the game
Trust your instincts, blow the whistle when you see the violation, don't be tentitive
Judge the contact, not the uglyness

As mentioned, LEARN THE RULES! It is amazing how many people think they know the rules or think they can officiate how they think the rules aught to be.

Learn how (and when) to blow the whistle. How it sounds and your timing is an indicator of your mastery of the game.

Demeanor, be calm and poised, make good decisions and don't let fan, player or coach reaction or expectations influence your judgement.

TEAM with your work crew, be supportive and use their support. Keep them in the game with you - stay in the game with them.

Never assume anything is going to happen - be ready, but let it happen before you blow the whistle.

There is no match beneath your skills. If you are working a middle school, or jv match you should give it your best just like it is a state finale. Be profession, work on your mechanics.

And remember, we are in the people business. :D

We had our first meeting on Monday.I was a former scorekeeper so I know how to deal with table personnel.