Good grief! 3rd grade game!

[Mark Padgett]

Our rec league has to reschedule some games due to last minute school gym unavailability. If the rescheduled games are accepted by the school district, I will have one night two weeks from now in which I will have a HS varsity game preceded by a third grade game.

Even though I train officials in this league to work games at that level, I haven't worked one myself in at least 12 years. My partner that night will be a HS association ref who has never worked anything below middle school in his careet.

I've been reviewing the special rules (no zones, no backcourt guarding, limited double-teaming, no called isolation plays, etc) and I've come to the conclusion that this game probably will be the hardest I've had all season.

What a way to go out on my final night of my career!

BTW - at our annual referee pizza party, the guys presented me with a retirement gift - a Fox 40 spray painted gold. I'll treasure it always.

Wish me luck with the little guys.