[Judge Roy]

Nor should I be at this age.

I was a high school basketball official years ago for a short while.

I was a soccer official for a few years after I stopped coaching soccer at a very competitive level.

The other officials thought I was crazy because I never went out and got myself a yellow card or a red card.

I was also statewide senior discplinary administrator in soccer.

A player struck an official and torn his uniform. The report came to me. I banned the player for life and sent his card to Zurich, Swirzerland (FIFA Headquarters) - lifetime worldwide ban.

The next day the high school where he coached called me and asked if I had banned him. I said yes, no one assaults an official and ever participates in the game again. They fired him that afternoon.

So, I am no ref hater, though there are some I really dislike and think should not keep their striped shirt. I'd imagine that no one you know ever banned a player world wide for life for his conduct regarding a referee.

I am one concerned that the small number of bad people who happen to be referees may end up ruining the game for everyone.

If you haven't MEMORIZED the University of Michigan study on officials gambling, you should. It is a serious potential threat to sports - human frailities being human frailities.

There is a lot that could be done to make officiating better for all - officials included - but FIRST we must be sure there is no monkey business going on.

Don't forget, 14 NBA officls were indicted and found guilty of tax evasion in their official capacities. You don't acquire sainthood when you put that whistle in your mouth.

[Edited by Judge Roy on Mar 28th, 2004 at 07:38 PM]