[Mark Padgett]

Ran into the dad of one of the former HS kids (named Matt) I helped train as an official in our local kids rec league. He told me Matt was just finishing graduate school with a Ph.D. in physical science. He said Matt told him many times that his training as an official helped him learn self-confidence and that was a huge benefit to him as he progressed through his teen years and especially in college. He said Matt mentioned my name quite a few times as one of his "mentors" and that he really appreciated the help I gave him.

I told the dad that Matt certainly was welcome to come back and pick up some pocket change on Saturdays during the season but, unfortunately, he's living on the other side of the state.

Compared to all the negative crap we sometimes hear about officiating, it's stories like this that make it all worthwhile. I'm not posting here just to toot my own horn, but to remind everyone that sharing your officiating knowledge and love for the game can be very rewarding for others.