[refnrev]

Couple of weeks ago did a MS game with a 3 year vet. Before the game he was telling me he was frustrated at the "good old boy" system and that he couldn't get any HS games of any level. I though to myself n his city and surrounding small towns he could be turning away FR and JV Games galore. Before game I noticed he had a 99 cent whistle, dress pants with cuffs, a stretched V neck that showed way too much white T-shirt, and dress loafers with rubber soles to officiate in. During the game, he tossed it with the whistle in his mouth, let several rolls and crawls on the floor go without a travel, missed a bunch of fouls on the shooter, and was out of position so many times he just couldn't have seen the right call. I caught some of these, but couldn't and shouldn't call the whole floor. Coach was on him so much I finally whacked him to shut him up and get him off his back... the chirping wasn't helping him or the game any at all.
At half he asked me what the T was for. I said, "That one was for you Bud. He was out of line" He thanked me.
I gave him a few pointers afterwards to try to help, but didn't know him well enough to say too much. The guy loves the game. I hope some of his friends will step up and help him out. I think there's a guy who could become a good official....he just hasn't had any mentoring.