|
How do I do it? I don't anymore. I don't think I'm too good to do those games, I used to do a lot of them my first two or three years officiating. I still work junior high games that are school sanctioned events in addition to my varsity games. I eventually found that I really hated doing rec league games at any age level and stopped working them years ago. I officiate because it is generally fun and I enjoy it; if it isn't any fun, why do it? However, I know many officials who continue to work rec leagues and tournaments every weekend, 15 or 20 games on a weekend at times. I find most of them don't enjoy it either but do it strictly for the money. Life is too short to work games that make you miserable; after all, this is supposed to be fun right?
Some areas of youth sports have really become a cesspool of egos, poor sportsmanship and behavior, and I'm talking primarily about the parents and coaches. Often there is no accountability for these people at weekend tournaments and such; if a coach gets tossed what do they care? They will be right back next game and answer to no one. Not true for a coach working for a school. They have to answer to a principal and athletic director for their behavior as well as the state sanctioning body. There are standards and penalties in place.
|