[Pantherdreams]

Just wanted to post to everyone some thoughts and experiences I'm having.

I work a lot in the basketball community as a coach, official and on various boards of driectors for associations for sports.

Based on my last couple of years as an official it is time for me a take a break from the officiating part. Maybe my jack of all trades and master of none in this game doesn't give me proper perspective, or maybe its just the particular association that I deal with that doesn't match. Either way I'm taking a break from officiating maybe for a year or 2 maybe for good.

My experience on this site, and with most kids and coaches have all been positive reasons to stay in the game as an official but some ongoing issues between me and my association are making me feel like I need some time and space.

In a nut shell: In my professional life outside of officiating and as a coach or board member for any professional or athletic board on which I work current methodology, efficiency, effectiveness and what gets you the most value or return (bang for your buck) are the driving forces. Working within and with my association and some of its members often feels more like a liberal arts degree in that its more about what your argument and view is then change and improvement. Firstly we are a very small assocation only 10-15 officials dealing with 6ish high schools locally and all the club and feeder programs. So IME there is way too much crossover between personal relationships and proffessional ones. 2ndly after much debate for a number of years we agreed to start using more film to base discussions and evaluations. I'm mostly now tired of having tape, and rule book support changes that we need to make in how we officiate - that a number of my colleagues wont make. Despite what the evidence says and the rule book says they are still gonna call it how they think it should be called or how they see it. Which would be fine except there is no chance of not working with certain people or of the association letting people go because of our small numbers. So with no change on the horizon I need a break.

Thanks to everyone here who has helped me become a much better officials with your tips, guidance, clarifications and through healthy debate and dialogue. THanks! Keep up the good work. I'll stay around to keep my hand in it and enjoy the conversations.