Why you officiate...

[zebraman]

Originally Posted by bgtg19

Everyone (O.K., not everyone, but a lot of people) goes through a stage where they think about hanging up the whistle. I'm going through that now. (Not for age or health reasons - I'm in my 30s and in good shape - just wondering whether all the time and cr@p is worth it.)

Although I'm sure we've had threads like this before, I thought it might be helpful to hear why you do what you do. I certainly understand that my decision will be ... well, my decision. I'm not looking for you to decide for me. I'm just looking for you to share YOUR reasons which might help me as I explore my own. Thanks.

I love officiating basketball for so many reasons. I still get to be associated with the game I have loved all my life. I get a good cardio workout several nights a week and I don't even notice that I'm getting a good cardio workout because I'm so involved in what I am doing. Most of my best friends are refs now so I love the social part of it too.

The sound of squeaking tennis shoes. The smell of popcorn. The roar of a crowd. The band. A great rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.....and on and on.

I can honestly say that the money has nothing to do with it. Even the JC games I do don't pay enough when you figure out how much time and effort you put into it.

I just love it. Love it, love it, love it. When I am no longer passionate about it, I will stop. I just can't imagine that happening though.