High school officiating?

[garuda70]

A recent article in the Seattle Times about how one goes about becoming a high school referee piqued my attention:

archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=smitty16&date=20071016&query=high+school+sports+official

Are there any VolleyTalkers--WA state or not--who've done this, and have they found it a worthwhile experience?

Thanks much,

garuda70
(and big UW Huskies fan!)

[cyberVBmidwest]

garuda70 said:

A recent article in the Seattle Times about how one goes about becoming a high school referee piqued my attention:

archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=smitty16&date=20071016&query=high+school+sports+official
Are there any VolleyTalkers--WA state or not--who've done this, and have they found it a worthwhile experience?
Thanks much,
garuda70
(and big UW Huskies fan!)

I am and have been an IHSA (Illinois) official for the past 8 years. I rarely get to officiate because I travel for my "real" job and am rarely available when they need them. Having said that, I do find it rewarding and I also challenge anyone who has ever complained about officiating to go to the clinic, take your test and get up on the stand even it is just for one year. It will give you a whole new perspective of the official. The higher the level you officiate the tougher it gets and in my opinion, boys varsity being the toughest due to the extreme speed. (Yes, the top girls hit a pretty mean ball but not the same as the top guys)

I dare you to try it out!