[stripes]

Originally posted by fletch_irwin_m
That is a great question. Obviously, you enjoy the GAME of basketball. While most people here say "Don't Play" I will disagree with them. I got into officiating to "get into shape" After playing in college and overseas, there really seemed no need to stay in shape, after all there were no more "Seasons" to stay in shape for! I have now dropped about 30lbs and enjoy officiating and playing, when time permits.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Know who you are playing with and against. This will dictate what you should do on the court. I play at lunch 3 times a week, and RARELY if ever do I drive the lane. These guys I play with, with a few exceptions, never played HS or college ball and don't understand what/how to foul. That is how you can get hurt. I will play a couple of times a month with a more "Advanced" group, and then I play like normal.
2. NEVER EVER EVER turn down a game, or block off your officiating schedule to accomodate your rec league playing schedule. After all, you will be able to move up the officiating ladder, but only down on the playing end!!

BTW, I have had 8 knee surgeries and will have 9 around Christmas. Eventually, I will have to stop playing (I have cut that down to 2 a week) but not right now, I just got back into shape!

Fletch makes some good points, but remember, we have all seen players tweak a knee, pull a hamstring, turn an ankle, etc. when no one was around them. Playing with good players (if you can find them) is no guarantee that you won't get hurt and playing with bad players only increases your chances.