Quote:
Originally posted by zebraman
BTW, I never went to any of the socials or any of the other ref "stuff" (although I did go to a weekend camp once) . I found it more gratifying to know that I worked my way to the top of our association based on my ability rather than by rubbing shoulders w/ the "politically astute" each Friday night over pizza and beer.
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I'm not trying to pick a fight, but that's really a crappy way to characterize a bunch of guys getting together to talk about their games over the last week. I've done pizza and diet cokes with the guys on Friday nights for several years now. Where else can you talk about the fun, frustration, the good, the bad, and the ugly of your games? To your wife? Not likely, unless she's also an official. I never sucked up to anybody, I was welcomed as a fellow official. Nothing more, nothing less. It's a unique environment, and I feel like I may even be a better official b/c of it.
I enjoy the heck out of Friday nights down at Sam's, and not b/c I'm improving my schedule by showing up there. Perhaps it's different in your area, but maybe you ought to go hang out a couple times and see if you like it for what it is: a chance to talk hoops with people that actually understand your excitement and frustration. Just my 2 cents.
Chuck