Wisdom from The Master

[Mark Padgett]

No, not me. I'm referring to Earl Strom. I just read his book again for the umpteenth time. At the end, he lists five qualities he feels makes a good official. They are (in inverse order - and I have paraphrased a little due to space):

5) PROFESSIONALISM - hustle, maintain concentration and above all, get the call right

4) CONTINUITY - keep it moving, don't call ticky-tack fouls, especially at the end of a blowout

3) JUDGMENT - each rule is there for a purpose, know them then use common sense when applying them

2) SELF - believe in your knowledge and your right to be in charge, it's your court and your law, adopt a style that is appropriate to your personality

and most important

1) COURAGE - have the stones to stand in there and make the right call regardless of the amount of heat you will take, be ready to admit a mistake if it happens and correct it if at all possible, be consistent and fair both home and away

Comments?