It's All Over
 

Well folks....looks like my refereeing days are over. About 3 months ago I broke a bone in my foot (my anterior tallus) and while it has healed pretty well I have lost some movement in my ankle/foot. The doctors think that without surgery it is unlikely that I will recover full motion.

So given that it is difficult for me to change direction suddenly, I think it may be time to hang up the whistle :(

However, I plan to continue being involved in basketball and officiating and will check in here from time to time.

Cheers

OZ I am sorry to hear about that. I just hope you heal up completely. I am sure you have been a big contributor to the game where you live. Take care and get well soon.

Duane,

I wouldn't give up on it yet. Sheeesh - I broke my ankle playing softball one summer and made it back that basketball season. This past year I ruptured my achilles tendon umpiring a softball game and as we speak, I am taking physical therapy. I have already gained full range of motion and am working on gaining strength so I can run. My doc and physical therapist assure me I'll be back for basketball season. Dude, you are much younger than I am - you can make it back. Worst case senario, you miss a season. Don't give up yet buddy, you can do it!

Hey Mountaineer thanks for the encouragement, but the doctors have said that without surgery I will not regain full range of motion. Given the expense of the operation it just isn't feasible for me at the moment (have just bought my first home and am getting married in 5 weeks). But you're right, I will have to see what the future brings. Thanks.

I guess insurance doesn't work the same over in New Zealand . . .

New Zealand??

Gotta feelin' you'll be fine, Duane.
Hang in and hold on.
mick

My bad - I'm from WV - it's all the same to us man . . .

I'm sorry to hear about this Oz, on the same time I want to say congrats to getting married though ;) But still, this is bad news... :(

Now I'm happy I live in sweden, free health care... anyway, I hope you'll be able to get back on the floor one day, just don't give up, the moment you give up you'll never get back there

I know it is easier said than done. I would get the surgery and try to continue. You might have further problems if you do not have the surgery. Also you might want to get a second opinion to see if surgery is your only option.

It is a personal decision and it is very easy for all of us to tell you what to do from the cheap seats. I wish you the best and hope you can come out on this on top.

Peace

How can you say his getting married is bad news? Have you met his fiancee? :confused:

Duane - I would also consider a second opinion on your ankle. It doesn't seem right that a break that heals well would restrict motion. Maybe there's some physical therapy that would help regain most, if not all of that range. It's possible that the break really didn't heal properly, and surgery is the only way to fix it. I would still consider doing that, because if you leave it go, your body will start to overcompensate for that loss of motion, and you will likely see more problems with your shins, hips, back, etc. down the road.

Good luck, and good luck with that marriage thing, too!

Duane,

I would agree with getting a second opinion on the injury. Maybe a different doctor will know of a therapy regimen that would help. If not, and you really "retire", I hope you stay involved with officiating as an instructor/observer for some organization. You've displayed a real understanding of the job and I hope you can find a way to pass that along.

Good luck with your upcoming marriage. Maybe it's a good time to walk away from reffing. It's a sad fact that many succussful referees have less than successful marriages.

I think you know what I meant... so I won't explain myself^^ I hope I don't need to:eek:

I'm very sorry to here that Oz. I injured my both ankles very hardly before, but I still pulled all of my passion into the game of basketball. Yes like CV, I also congratulate you on your marriage. Hope you'll be fine and get back to the floor again!

Don't worry, I knew what you meant. :)

I just felt I had to maintain a neanderthal image, since I've been (unfairly) lumped in that category.