Why ref?

[Smitty]

Originally posted by OverAndBack
I thought it would be a different way to be involved in sports, one I hadn't experienced before. A chance to help kids experience the good things in sports and facilitate their development. I heard you can meet some great people and have fun doing it.

It definitely isn't for the money, though I wouldn't do it for free.

Though right now it's not much fun. I admit I have a low tolerance for b-s when it's not directly related to something I absolutely have to do, but if it's going to be parents *****ing, coaches *****ing and players *****ing like it's been lately, I'm inclined to hang 'em up. I know it comes with the territory, but I've never had any grand designs on making this a career, so as long as it's going to be something I do on the side, I'm not inclined to put up with b-s.

/rant, sorry to digress

You and I are a lot alike in this respect. Although I would do it for free, and I have a bunch of times. Several years ago I was working in the worst association I have ever worked in - in Albuquerque, NM. I had one school where the parents were the absolute worst role models for their kids - they even went so far as to throw stuff onto the court during games. Then I moved to San Jose, CA and thought I'd be in for a lot better basketball, but it was not much better. The kids were as mouthy as the coaches, who were as mouthy as the parents. It was not any fun for me to go to games. I had a Varsity ref come onto my court in streetclothes at halftime one time and start berating my partner. I had no idea who the guy was and it scared me at first, till I found out he was a ref. This same ref, after the game, ripped my partner a new one in the hallway after the game. I had enough. So I quit and never looked back. Moved to Oregon and my son started high school. I went to his fall sports award ceremony, which happened to be in the gym at his school. First time I'd been in a high school gym since the day I quit reffing. I got the itch...so I started up again. I have a whole new attitude and am having more fun than I ever have. I don't know how long it will last this time, but I can tell you that it's only good if it's fun for you.

If you feel like you aren't having fun, maybe you should take a season off and see if you miss it. You're not going to be doing anyone any good if you're not having fun.