Sprinkles

[WindyCityBlue]

I've worked with partners of every color and gender in my career. One truth from all of those years is that bigots abound. Yet, it's often the way that the official handles the pressure and reacts to the challenge that nails him/her or endears him/her.

I've witnessed partners who were jeered for their skin color, gender, if he/she wore glasses, were overweight or bald. None of that mattered when they did their job and got the call right. One little slip and it was back to the gallows. I asked one of my partners how he handled all of the ribbing (he's Hawaiian, but is confused for Japanese). He gets all of the "Open your eyes!" comments he or we can stand. He told me that he just works harder. He knows that he will be taunted, but realizes that the only remedy is to be great. (He is and it makes all of us envious!)

The bottom line is how you handle the rhubarbs and slings. The best officials know how to deflect the criticism and react to the heat of the moment. The best officials recognize that the fan has a vested interest and something at stake - loyalty, pride and usually a paid admission. The players have even more at stake. They'll hate you and love you depending on how the calls are going. Were only as good as our last call. So you have a choice...work harder and remember that no matter how well you perform, someone will still think you're an a-hole. Or...internalize it and blow it off or burn out and cheat yourself. I choose to use it as fuel for the future. Nothing will kill them more than seeing you trot out there for the big game!