[JRutledge]

Did anyone play sports at this level? If you did can you tell me what you remember about the games? Do you remember anything about the teams and the coaches? I know I cannot. I do not remember anything other than when I kind of "kicked" a kid after I was knocked down during a loose ball. The only thing I remember is my Mom was in might direct line of eyesight and gave me a look as if he was going to kick my butt right there. I remember that look and I am in my 30s. I cannot tell you anything about the game or anything outside of the game. I do not even remember how old I was, but I do remember it was a game at the local YMCA.

My senior year we made the playoffs in football and I can tell you everything down to the pre-game rituals that were used before the game. I cannot even name any of the youth team’s names that I played on and I was in all kinds of sports as a kid.

The point is you need to keep these games in perspective. They might be important for an hour, after that the kids will move on to other things. So if you have a bad experience, keep what took place in total perspective to what these games really are. Importance is also very subjective. Maybe for some that only work these games these might be the most important part of your day. I have a life outside of officiating and working any game is only going to go so far with my life and how upset I get. The fact that these games are not my aspiration or where I work mostly, this would not keep me upset and worried for 10 minutes after a game. There are varsity games that I do not put the same value on as other games that might be monumental in my career (like the game I had last night).

Peace