When an umpire becomes a coach

[Jerry]

"Do ugly people really know they're ugly?"

Knowing the rules, being consistent, properly attired, etc. are all hallmarks of a good official . . . but the same is true in any profession or in life itself. There are some folks that make excellent coaches (because they work well with kids, have a passion for the game, cooperate with parents, etc.) but don't know squat about the rules or the intricacies of the game . . . and perhaps lose every game they play. But they're extremely admired by their peers.

Officials are no different. Many more are "professional" by your definition than are not. Percentage-wise, those that are out to get a paycheck for doing nothing, are few and far between. Even a blind man can spot excellence, just as easily as he can spot an idiot.

When I was a coach, I'd tell "my kids" . . . "You're mine for the next 2-1/2 hours. I don't want you thinking about homework, school, your girl friend or anything else. There's plenty of time for that, after the game. And I have one rule here . . . HAVE FUN!!!!! I don't care if you win or lose, but you better being PLAYING hard."

Now as an official, I have the same philosophy. The kids (no matter how old they are; I also do NASBL ball)deserve to have a contest officiated fairly, properly and to the best of my ability. It doesn't take rocket science or even a knowledge of the rules to have polished shoes, pressed pants and a clean shirt. That's all part of it too.

Attitude goes a L-O-N-G way, doesn't it?