Having had several years of officiating basketball and umpiring softball has helped me to have a certain comfort level with those activities. I've been doing it long enough that it's still fun. I look forward to traveling to schools I've never been, meeting new people, and taking on challenging games. In addition, working lower level games is perfectly fine. I've entertained the notion every once in awhile in trying to work some college games, but I really don't want to travel, and my work schedule is a conflict.
Now that Cole isn't playing football anymore, and I still have some debt I'd like to pay off, I decided to embark on a journey of officiating volleyball. I had been encouraged to consider football, but my knees are in rough enough shape as it is, and trying to keep up with those young kids on a 100-yard football field didn't seem like therapy for the knees.
And being the somewhat experienced official that I am, I knew what was coming. Despite getting registered, receiving a rule book and casebook, taking the test, attending the clinic, purchasing my officiating shirt and materials - despite all that, I knew that inevitably experience would be the most important.
Talk about jumping into the frying pan!
On Monday, my first even feature four 9th grade teams on two courts at the same time in the same gym. (Something it seems I will need to get use too.) I didn't realize this was the case when my partner and I were assigned the event. Did I mention my partner was brand new as well? So picture two brand new volleyball officials in a gym with two courts playing simultaneously...yikes!
I literally threw up the white flag and professed my situation to all the coaches and the captains, and bless them for welcoming me and being patient as I fumbled my way through the experience. I asked them a lot of questions, and they were always willing to help me out. I'm sure I missed a lot, but the night ended eventually - day 1 of experience. Admittedly, my experience in other sports helped. I knew to be strong with my calls, take my time, and do my best to see the play of the game.
Then yesterday was my second day of game experience in volleyball, and it was a tournament. There were six teams and I worked six matches during the day. I worked with experienced officials that were great to be around. Like on Monday, I explained that I was brand new and would take any and all help, direction, and advice they were willing to offer.
The entire day was awkward, as I currently have to think about everything I do - mechanics, rules, procedures, etc... And there were mistakes, and of course I'm sure I missed a lot once again. I again explained to coaches that I would be learning a lot, so if I look confused or took extra time to complete something for them to understand. They were very understanding again.
It can be very hard to feel awkward and inadequate and confused, but I know that the more experience I can the more I will have to think less and become more comfortable in managing the game. And comfort doesn't come without experience. So the trick is to try to be as comfortable as possible in uncomfortable situations and be open to all learning that occurs. Usually the players and coaches and other officials will be very understanding - especially at the lower levels. Heck, many times, those coaches and players are very inexperienced as well.
In fact, in one of the matches I told the coach that this was my third match ever and to be patient with me. She looked at me like a caring mother and said, "Oh, this is my third match ever too!" And then she gave me a high five!
So I get to take a break today and tomorrow, and I'm back at it on Tuesday. I'm nowhere near ready for varsity games, so I'll just take my time and keep learning!
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