Merry Christmas ...

[BillyMac]

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.

The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.

And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke: 2:8-14)

[BillyMac]

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,

not a ball was a bouncin’ or a jersey ablouse.

Our whistles hung by the chimney with care,

in hopes that the next game soon would be there.

Our officiating gear all stowed away,

until the end holidays tis where it will stay.

Noel bells softly chiming ‘til Christmas Day light,

no Fox 40 need sound tonight.

Tonight, there is no on-court action requiring arbitration,

with need of game control and on-court mediation.

No need to pre-game or post-game reflection or critiques,

no practicing our individual officiating techniques.

No need to focus on position and location,

scanning the court, anticipating the play, staying put or relocation.

Stepping with or cross stepping the play position adjusting,

Moving with a purpose and a propensity for hustling,

‘Going where we need to go to see what we have to see’ an on-court dedication,

understanding the ‘accuracy of my rulings vs correct positioning’ is a positive correlation.

Tonight, no need to stay with the play,

maintaining physical proximity and not allowing mental concentration to stray.

There is no need to process the whole play, see ‘start-middle-finish’,

knowing that without, our call accuracy does diminish.

There is no action area in our primary,

calling the obvious, our responsibility and necessary.

Understanding the game and when to extend coverage to secondary,

ensuring that any whistle blown is not arbitrary.

Judging block/charge, unlike shooting a movie there is no re-take,

Legal Guarding Position, obtained and maintained or Oscar to the defender for a convincing fake?

Airborne shooter, dribbler or rebound – a lot to process before a tweet.

No covering the shooter and checking the line

to know if it’s a deuce or trey that swishes the twine.

Being certain whether release is before shot clock or period expired,

conferring with partner(s) or using the IRS if available and required.

Illegal contact, screening, unsportsmanlike foul and game control,

in our officiating all have a pivotal role.

Tonight, no need to set the standard early.

calling the first illegal contact before things get squirrely.

Maintaining the standard throughout and being persistent,

calling the same game from start to finish, being consistent.

Enforcing the rules on illegally contacting the dribbler.

Lest the game resemble the writing of a scribbler.

Not allowing illegal contact on the perimeter,

to impact the game by developing into a game limiter

Focused on freedom of movement and rough play in the post,

allowing skilled play to be foremost.

Intervening when there is illegal play on screening,

serves to provide an in-game cleaning.


My thoughts turn to my officiating brethren at this time of cheer

I think about our time on and off the courts this past year.

I remember partners and family we’ve lost with a tear,

for all, I trust this season is spent with your family and love ones all near.

I wish you and yours the inner warmth akin to a crackling fire,

And to you many more good games before you retire.

I feel pride in this very heartfelt boast,

I lift a glass of eggnog to you each and to each I offer a toast

“We share a love and service to the game,

to you all I give you due acclaim,

thank you for answering and then making the call(s).

It’s not always appreciated, I acknowledge you all.

Take pride and satisfaction in working at and getting it right,

Merry Christmas, happy holiday season to all, and to all a good night!"

[johnny d]

Merry Christmas Billy Mac

[WhistlesAndStripes]

That second one was too long
For my attention span.

But Merry Christmas anyhow.


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