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Old Mon Aug 09, 2004, 02:25pm
WindyCityBlue WindyCityBlue is offline
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Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 554
Thesis submitted

Jim -
I agree, your response was well spoken.

We disagree on some semantics, though.
Few college freshman know what they want to do professionally after graduation. They may have an idea, but that it why most universities allow the student to defer his/her commitment (Read "goal") until they have experienced a generalized curriculum. Yes, there are exceptions, but most don't have a clue.

The same goes for new officials. The rare ones know that they will have to work hard and be very disciplined in order to achieve in this field. I'm not referring to the guy who is just picking up a few bucks working a handful of games for his local park district. I am specifically referring to the individual that has made a conscious effort to purchase good gear, attend training sessions and work a solid schedule. Every year we see these rookies and mentor them to expect a rough few years. We ask them why they got into the trade and what drives them to do this. Some say they need the income, some say they miss the game. The following year, the guys that return are the ones that had their priorities right. Learn...then earn.

I'm not asking anyone to give up the paycheck or respect the game more. I am reminding my fellow members that like anything in life, if you have a very narrow focus on something (working solely for the money) you may achieve your goals, but the journey won't be as much fun. I challenge any member to show me anyone who has officiated for twenty years or more and does it SOLELY for the money. Even Trump does some things because they are fun (take Milania , for instance).

Providing for your family, having a little extra fun money or putting it away for retirement - these are all noble endeavors. The guy who volunteers his time and talent is no more loved and respected, but has set different priorities. The overweight guy who wants to see his daughter walk down the aisle, same boat. Let's not forget the retiree who just wants to keep his mind sharp and enjoy the sun. All of these guys have different priorities and love officiating. My point was and remains, discover something you love to do and find reasons to do it. (Reasons - plural.) Life will be better that way.

[Edited by WindyCityBlue on Aug 10th, 2004 at 10:34 AM]
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