Like many of you, I got into officiating
because of a "no-show". In 1973 at ULowell Div 3 (MA),
my roommates and I had just finished our practice
and were about to leave when the intramural director begged us to help out because he was "short-handed". We worked (3) games and had some fun with it. The cross country coach there saw that we had some knowledge and potential so he invited us to join him at the high school meeting. We fit in well at the start and even got varsity (small private school) games in our first year (you solicit your own games at the sub-=varsity and private schools). I moved to CA after 6 years of climbing the ladder in MA. I worked boys and girls hs, jc, and small college, and up to D1 women.All the while working rec ball. Now after all those games and miles, I own a company that assigns officials to almost 50 recreational leagues. There have been some bumps in the road along the way, but the benefits far outweigh the problems/obstacles. I have made some lasting friendships with many fine people who officiate. I have been fortunate enough to work for 15 years at Magic Johnson's camps (some great coaches on staff). I got to ref games with many, many, ex-NBA-ers. I reffed quite a few high schoolers now playing in the NBA. I have built a network in San Diego with some very important business men. etc etc etc
I have recently begun a weekly newsletter for the officials in my business. I try to educate and mentor. I get much satisfaction from "helping" someone to be a better official and a better person. And oh yeh, did I forget to mention that I love the challenge and thoroughly enjoy the feeling of being on-stage during games and recognized around town.
Also not a bad thing to get into sporting events (and onto golf courses) free, because of friendships made with coaches, owners, players, security guards, and parents.
I've only got a few more miles left in this old body
so I try to enjoy every moment possible, every once in a while stopping to reflect on this awesome opportunity.
How good is it when players come up to you after their game(even the losers) to tell you "GOOD GAME REF!"?
Thanks for allowing me to share my experiences.
Barry "the boss" Alman
http://www.sdboss.com