How to get Started? Join an Association!

Being a new official can be a very challenging thing, just like most new things. With officiating, you may have questions about the uniform, how to get games, where best to start and questions about the rules. The best thing I can recommend for new officials is to join an association or fellow group of officials. There are associations and groups all over the country, it just takes some internet searching or asking around to find it.

Once you are in this group, you will find that they most likely have meetings every so often depending on the area and number of officials around. GO TO THE MEETINGS! The best way to become a more prepared official is to immerse yourself in the environment. You will find yourself slowly learning more and more just from being around the conversations, and when you are ready, jump in and contribute to them as well. When you ask questions or try to explain things to others, you will remember that out on the field.

When you are at these meetings, there can be a lot of jargon or abbreviations. There is definitely a learning curve to understanding it all. What is going to help you understand faster is to find a mentor or just a friend willing to help. If you already know someone, that may be a great place to start. If not, not to worry, just find a friendly face. 99% of the people there will want to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because that is the best way to learn and it won’t show that you aren’t ready to officiate. It will show the opposite. It will show you are engaged and ready to put your best foot forward in preparing and improving as an official. This will get noticed and you will get games! Also, really try to find that person that is a mentor. They can help you with a lot of the questions you don't feel like asking at meetings, like what you need for your uniform. 

All of these tips can really go for any sports officiating. Get involved and stay focused! 



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