[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I know that volleyball officiating isn't the same as basketball officiating, but we've had several of our local basketball officials make a successful move over to volleyball, with little, or no volleyball experience, when they retired from their day jobs.

We are on a basketball board, not a volleyball one. Of course someone can pick up volleyball, but most other sports require fitness and movement. And even some of those that are older have problems climbing the ladder and that is why some will not be the official on the latter (whatever that is their position name).

Originally Posted by BillyMac

We've also had some older guys, and gals, take our basketball rules, and mechanics, classes, pass our floor exam, and move on to became successful subvarsity basketball officials.


Retirees, in decent physical shape, can become successful subvarsity basketball officials if they want to put in the effort, and take advantage of the training, over several months, that all of our rookie officials, both young, and old, go through. If they continue to work hard, and take advantage of our mentor program, and other educational programs that we offer (camps, clinics, etc.) they can move up the ladder. How far up the ladder they move when they're in their 60's is another story, especially since, here in my little corner of Connecticut, it takes four years, including the "cadet" year, to get any varsity games, and three more years of a partial varsity schedule until one gets a full varsity schedule, assuming that one's ratings are superior. Many retirees could be dead, or with bodies full of artificial hips, and knees, by then.

I did not say they could not officiate. But those come in even at the 40s and up ages, they often want to work varsity basketball after a period of time. That can be difficult if you are not in great shape. With that being said, not everyone at that age is breaking down physically. I also teach a newer officials basketball class and we do not see many in their 60s coming to officiating for the first time. I know the term "retiree" is sometimes generic, but there are people that retire at younger ages than 65.

Peace