Each official who works in the WSC has some kind of ranking, or rating, in the mind of the assignor. This perception of your work is generally arrived at over a period of time, based on many factors. Many officials ask what is expected of them in order to progress to the varsity level. This can be a very difficult question, and the answer may be different for different officials.

The most honest answer is that I have a minimum expectation of 1) advancement through the IHSA rankings (if you're just registered, forget it), 2) active membership in a recognized local officials' association, and, 3) generally, several seasons of exceptional work in the conference.  These guidelines are not written in concrete, but are generally adhered to.

The problem is that, eventually, quite a few good officials meet these requirements. Why are they not all working varsity?  It must be understood that only a few varsity openings occur each season.  This is because the officials currently working at that level, and getting acceptable ratings, as most do, get first crack at the same number of games each season.  If a varsity official is doing a good job in the WSC, I'm not about to take away games from his schedule the following year.

The ultimate answer is that to be considered for those few openings that do occur, you must be the best of all the rest. Being "good enough to work the game" is just not good enough. You really are in a one-on-one contest with every other good official at your level.

Be patient. Be reliable. Work your way up through the ranks. It generally takes three to five years in a conference to get that first varsity game. Attend your association meetings to learn your rules and attend camps to polish your mechanics. The better you look, and the better game you call, the faster you will progress.

What is the order of progression? In the WSC the officials' rankings generally go in this order:

FROSH:  

All new officials, and many just new to the WSC, start out working frosh games.   The minimum requirement is a license to officiate basketball from the IHSA  There are always some officials who will never move past this level. There are also some older officials who prefer to work at this level, just to keep active and make a few extra bucks. God bless 'em.

SOPH/JV:

These officials have worked frosh level for at least 2-3 seasons, and have demonstrated at least some potential for reaching the varsity level. How?  We may have received good reports on them from coaches, A.D.'s, other officials with whom they've worked or who observed them work, or LaMar Simpson or I may have seen them and been impressed. In general, if we don't think an official has at least some potential for varsity, he most often  doesn't work soph prelim or JV ball in the WSC.

A big problem in evaluating soph officials who are progressing to a varsity schedule is the lack of  evaluations turned in by the soph and JV coaches. If a WSC coach tells you what a good game you called, encourage him to email me or use the online evaluation form. (They all have access.)

VSUB:

This next level is probably the most frustrating for up-and-coming officials. By putting this level on your record, LaMar and I are  acknowledging that we think you have the ability to work at the varsity level. Most officials at this rating, however, continue to work soph and JV in the conference. The most likely opportunity for these officials is going to come as the result of a last-minute varsity cancellation on a night when they are already working a WSC prelim or when they are open.

It still may be a while before they get a varsity game that is pre-assigned. It's a tough spot to be in. "Do I take a prelim, or do I take a chance and sit home, hoping the phone will ring?" Generally, the more you work, the faster you progress.

Progression to the next (VNC) level is generally based on varsity-level ratings from WSC coaches or input from other assignment chairman.

VNC:

Even though this level is identified as varsity non-conference, the opportunities may come on either conference or non-conference games. (Sometimes, non-conference games can be higher profile games and a "name" official is expected.) These officials also generally get first crack at varsity cancellations, if they are available. I try to find at least one game per season for each official at this level. Good varsity evaluations, in turn, probably will lead to full varsity status.

V1, V2, V3:

These officials have achieved full varsity status in the WSC. Even within this group, though, there is a "pecking order" based on coaches' ratings and my perception of their work (and their availability). The V3's are the most highly rated by the coaches and by me.  They are generally state-tournament finals level. Their status guarantees them 2-4 conference games, in addition to possible non-conference or Thanksgiving tourney assignments. V2 & V1 follow in the order, but all generally get at least a game or two each season.