How long to master?

[Big2Cat]

I have been officiating since I was 19 and am now 38. There are always things to learn. However, I love officiating because of all the guys I work with. They are such good friends, and the camaraderie on the court makes all the crap from coaches worthwhile.

What is really funny, you will find, is that a lot of officials don't even know all the rules. They know the main ones, but when a tricky situation comes along they might get themselves in trouble. What is even scarier is that they consider me the "rules" guy. Then I come in here and realize all the things I still don't know. And you will find that as good as you get--in judgment, rules, mechanics, dealing with coaches--there is always somebody better. Aspire to be that guy in each area.

But more than that, have integrity, do what you say, call your partners and see how their lives are going, take an interest in their kids, be there when they need help outside the game. It is an awesome path that we have chosen and the people we meet along the way keep it fun. Don't forget all the other guys we meet along the way--some won't become your friends, but they still make it a great experience.

Anyhow, I digress. I am probably taking the next year (or years off) and I am finding that I won't miss the long drives, or the long nights, or the time away from home--but I will miss the guys I spend most of my nights and weekends with tooting the whistle and having a good time.