Tough Transition

[Blackhawk357]

My oldest son is a freshman in high school this year. His middle school games last year never really conflicted with my refereeing schedule, and the crowds were pretty docile. We figured that a freshman schedule would pose some problems, and we were prepared for that. The second week into the season we got great news, the coach moved Derek to the varsity team. He plays some JV quarters and some Varsity quarters. I'm going to watch him play, easy call! The assigners have done a great job trying to keep me working, too (second priority).

The tough part of this is sitting in the stands and listening to fans. Sure, we all know that the referees are not perfect. In 22 years I never had a game that I couldn't find something I missed. I guess that while I'm on the floor I don't hear many specific things. You know when the crowd is restless, but you block out the specifics.

Tuesday night a very good official made two consecutive b/c calls (very next play) against the home team (Derek's). Both were close calls, and both controversial. I thought that he got both right. I also thought that the roof would fall in!

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Of course the close fans all turned and wanted me to tell them that they were bad calls. They got quite a surprise. That official and I have worked tournaments together, and both done state tournaments, although not together. I know him well, and know his integrity level. My response was not what they were looking for, and few ask my opinion again. I guess I'm just not cut out to be a fan!

The thing that made me feel the best about the entire night was that when Derek came home, he said that he had given the rest of the team the same speech about the official.

Blackhawk