When Richard Davila suited up for his first game as a basketball official in 1999, one word described his emotions.

"Scared," he said. "I didn't have time to think."

It's not hard to understand Davila's apprehension. The speed of the game and the fans' proximity to the court make basketball one of the most difficult sports to officiate.

You make the call What: The San Diego County Basketball Officials Association is seeking new members. Introductory meetings: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15 and 22 at the San Diego County Office of Education, 6401 Linda Vista Road, Room 401. Contact: Richard Davila at sdcboa@yahoo.com. Pay: For high school games, officials receive $67 for varsity, $49 for junior varsity and $42 for freshmen. Web site: sdcboa.com

Today, Davila works college, high school and club games. He is also assistant assignment director for the San Diego County Basketball Officials Association. The organization has about 200 members, increasing in size each of the past five years.

"A lot of the success goes to Mr. Davila and his recruiting," said Bob Floquet, assignment director for the association. "This year we may have more numbers than we've ever had."

One of Davila's contributions is the association's Web site, which he helped develop. The site, which debuted two years ago, makes it easier for prospective officials to learn about the association, listing year-round training camps and clinics.

New officials are trained in two stages. After learning the rules of the game, trainees are instructed on how to enforce the rules on the court while using hand signals.

Basketball is the hardest sport to judge, said Floquet, who has officiated baseball and football.

Davila said officials must learn to deal with fans, parents and coaches.

"They don't care what you call. They just don't like it," Davila said. "Some (officials) just can't take the heat."

Scarlett Dalgleish, a basketball referee for four years, has her own method for dealing with verbal abuse.

"I've really developed selective listening," Dalgleish said. "Sometimes I just tune things out. You develop a very thick skin."

Dalgleish is one of an increasing number of female officials to rise through the ranks. She said the number of women in the association, which stands at 16, has doubled since she became an official.

"That's something that has really changed," said Floquet, who became a high school referee in 1979. "When I started, I don't think we had any female refs."

Dalgleish said one reason more women are becoming officials is that women's basketball is growing in popularity in San Diego, creating a demand for more officials in general.

Most basketball referees hold regular jobs. Officiating part time is an opportunity for exercise and allows referees to stay in contact with a game they enjoy.

The extra income can be an incentive, too. During the past 20 years, officials' pay for working a high school varsity game has almost tripled to $67.

"It's a great avocation," said Davila, who is retired.

Those interested in becoming an official for the 2008-09 high school season can browse the association's Web site and sign up for introductory meetings. Referees start with freshman and junior varsity games but can rise to the varsity level if they receive positive evaluations from colleagues.

Officiating is not for everyone. Prospective referees must be willing to take some heat from the stands.

"I've really just developed a sense of humor about (the abuse)," Dalgleish said. "Laughing on the inside while staying stoic on the outside."

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