Uncertified surprise

[26 Year Gap]

In our area, we've had a dearth of certified officials which has resulted in unpatched people working games with us at the JV level. A couple of them took the course and passed the test this fall. One guy did not and he has these wind pants type trousers that look like crap. He shows up just before game time and is in his car before the echo of the 4th quarter horn has subsided. He finally got a non-collared shirt last year.

Had him early this season so I emailed him telling him I wanted him there 30 minutes before tip-off to do a pre-game, that we'd be on the court at 15:00 and do the captains/coaches conference at 12:00. I told him that he needed some new uniform pants and gave him the website.

Much to my surprise, he was there & ready at 30 minutes, we got onto the floor at 15, he asked about the website, but the visiting coach had disappeared into the locker room until 9 minutes prior to tip-off. I have one or two more with him this season. I am going to do the same thing for those and also encourage him to take the course next year.