Record all training dates on your calendar. Know minimum requirements and schedule your time to meet those requirements.
Record all general membership and apprentice meeting dates on your calendar.
Obtain Rule Book, Case Book and Mechanics Manual.
Get paperwork in order.
Order necessary equipment: black & white striped shirt, black pants, Fox40 whistle & lanyard, black socks, black shoes suitable for running. Your shoes are your most important piece of equipment. Get the best you can afford.
Begin a work-out regiment. Maintain a healthy diet.
Ask questions. Apprentice Chair, class instructors & Board members are reliable sources. THEY WILL HELP YOU.
Find a mentor. Someone you can trust to give you honest feedback about your games and concerns.
Log in and familiarize yourself with www.pnboa.org and www.arbitersports.com. Submit availability and begin working games. If something happens during a game or you have a question or need help, contact the Apprentice Chair immediately.
Complete NFHS Rules Test & online WOA Rules Clinic by deadline.
Attend any in-season Apprentice Meetings. These are your meetings to discuss your journey through your first year with fellow apprentices in a similar situation. It's a great support group to discuss plays, ask questions, share thoughts and give feedback.
Update your online availability.
Check to make sure you are meeting all Apprentice minimum requirements.
Schedule time to watch several Varsity games. Meet the Varsity Officials and ask to sit in the locker room with them during pre-game, halftime and/or post-game. This is a great opportunity to LISTEN and LEARN, being a student of the game.
Try to get some game video and have a mentor or other Varsity official break down your video with you.
Keep a journal of your games. Record highs and lows of the game and controversial plays and calls.
WORK HARD. HUSTLE. CALL & EMAIL YOUR PARTNERS.
Go and watch district playoff games, the State Tournament.
Attend end-of-season PNBOA Banquet.
Continue to improve all basic skills and try to attend a Summer Training Camp.
Keep in touch with the Apprentice Chair and continue to work games.
ASK QUESTIONS!