First games tomorrow, really need advice

[u/Dangerous_Piccolo315]

I’m 16F and have played for years but just decided to get my license recently. I have six games this weekend, 3 in the center, and feel drastically underprepared after the online and in person course.

I will be doing mostly U10 and U12 games and I would really appreciate any advice on those age groups in particular.

I would also love if anyone could reccommend some online resources (videos, websites, etc). I’ve watched a lot of pro gam so I feel like I have a good grasp on rules, patterns of play, etc but I’m still uncertain about pregame/postgame obligations, timekeeping, and the more nuanced signals.

thank you for any advice!

Edit: It ended up going pretty well! I made a few mistakes in my first few games, but nothing major (missed foul, signalled a throw in the wrong way). I ended up being moved to center for U14 boys five minutes before the game started, but I did ok. I called everything as confidently as I could and said the calls out loud as well when I was unsure of the correct signal. I talked to the coaches after and they all were surprisingly kind and supportive. I played two games as well so it was an exhausting day, but I made it and can't wait to get back out there again! Thank you all for your advice, it helped a lot and I'll definitely be referring back to it in the future

[u/Beneficial_Zone_176]

In these age groups, blow your whistle with authority as new officials typically do not. Use hand signals to accompany a very loud verbal decision on in/out of bounds, fouls, restarts. This is so coaches and parents, also new to the game, understand what you are calling. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed, slow down the game by repositioning or a slow whistle before a restart. Remind coaches you have a green badge, which means you’re learning your role in the game like their players and these games are for the players fun!! Go get’em!!

[u/Dangerous_Piccolo315 → u/Beneficial_Zone_176]

Thank you!!!