Start by Standing ...

Wherever you are, and whatever sport you want to officiate, we have a simple request that helps: 

When you practice your techniques

When you practice your communication

and when you read your rulebook and handbook

please STAND UP...

You are beginning a journey to become a great Social Ref, but we seldom see any Social Refs that do the job sitting down. It is literally a job where you have to think on your feet, because you will almost ALWAYS be on your feet. 

When you start to learn the job, practice the job, read the rulebook for the job, START ON YOUR FEET. 

Your brain and body will just think and process information differently. Even reading the rulebook, your brain will think and remember things differently. 

If you are on the other side of the desk, and you have to interview and judge whether someone has what it takes to ref or ump or work for your league, guess what you should do during the interview: 

Make the applicant stand up. 

There are many ideas to discuss,  practice, and learn. You have an opportunity to start training your brain and body with habits the first time you pick up the rulebook.

If you are just getting started, start by standing.