As a BIG guy...I'm sorry that I got in on this post so late...but let me give some perspective from the other side!
I'm 34 years old, I'm 6-3 and I weigh about 280 during basketball season. I wear a 46 pant and a 3X shirt. My gut doesnt' hang over my beltless slacks, and I can see the gloss on my shoes if I' bend just a little at the waist! I'm not the slowest guy in our chapter of 100, but I'm probably at the top of the top 10!!!
I've been officiating since I was 20.
I figured out several years ago that in order to advance and do a good job, I was going to have to work really hard. My handicap in appearance, must be compensated for in judgement and hustle. So, yes, I do sweat like a pig sometimes when my skinny young partner is on cruise control! It took my assignment secretary a couple of years to realize that I could work just about any game in our area. I'm sure that there are some "young bucks" in our chapter that feel like they should be in my games...and I think that there are some guys in higher games that aren't as good as I am. That occurs in officiating regardless of size! It takes a tremendous amount of ego (confidence) to officiate...and we all have a hard time setting that ego aside when it comes to working games. I don't know too many referees that openly admit that they have no business in a higer game!!! Do you???
Anyway...what is the bottom line? For me, it is this: Can the guy referee the game? Is he respected, does he hustle, will he make the tough calls at the tough times (experience)? If the answer to those questions is yes...then he gets the game...even if he could stand to lose a few pounds.