Why do you officiate?

[Tim C]

Since I only officiate ONE sport I guess my reason would be considered wrong by one poster:

I officiate for power and money.

Regards,

[The Canuck]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Did the thought ever cross your mind that maybe....just maybe.....because do two sports because they need to be around those two sports? They can't not be around those two sports?

Congratulations. You just dumped on a whole bunch of fine officials without ever having met them.

I beg your pardon, but:

Originally Posted by The Canuck

There are a few guys who do football and basketball in my area... and it's clear they're there probably for the money second but certainly the power trip first.

You'll note I dumped on the officials in my area; read: a whole bunch of fine officials I have met. There are some who I welcome working with, be it as a partner in basketball or as a coach in football. However, I also know for a fact that some have never played the game in question, be it football or basketball (yes, some colleagues of mine have never played basketball - how they were able to get onto the court is beyond me), and assumed that because they were expert officials (in their own minds) in one sport, they'd be equally good at making money and throwing their weight around in another.

I realize the officials in the original article are not examples of such, but it's not them I'm "dumping on".

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by The Canuck

One thing struck me about this article though - did you notice that every guy they talked to was a multi-sport official? Whatever happened to specialists? With apologies to any multi-sport officials reading this, I have my reservations about guys like that.

You have reservations about multi-sport officials from MASS, but you're still trying to say that you were referring to officials in your area when you explained your reservations?

Sorry, don't think I'm gonna buy that one. You inferred that the multi-sport officials from MASS were the same as a few officials that you know--i.e. they were only in it for the power and the money.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by The Canuck

I officiate because I need to be around basketball. I can't not.

I stopped growing in grade 10 when I was 5'10", but still started at forward on the junior team at school. We were a small team and I couldn't dribble so I was doomed to getting hammered in the low post all game, every game by bigger guys. I didn't play senior ball for this very reason, instead turning to officiating - it was a way to be around the game of basketball that didn't hurt quite as much.

One thing struck me about this article though - did you notice that every guy they talked to was a multi-sport official? Whatever happened to specialists? With apologies to any multi-sport officials reading this, I have my reservations about guys like that. There are a few guys who do football and basketball in my area (the two sports in which I am the most involved) and it's clear they're there probably for the money second but certainly the power trip first. Not to say they're bad guys, it's more that maybe their priorities are a bit out of whack.

I need to be around baseball. It's my first love. I played basketball and greatly enjoyed being on the team. (I only played in two games.) So when the basketball referee association advertised for officials, and I needed to keep active during the winter months, it seemed perfect.

I'm only paid for the basketball. I see my function to be there to see the rules are applied fairly and to help keep it fun for the kids. I don't think power or money figure in. I could be delusional of course. Or at the very least, in denial.

Rita

[BillyMac]

I get the best seat in the house to watch some outstanding athletes.

I get to meet a lot of people, fellow officials, coaches, players, site directors, athletic directors, and fans.

I get in a pretty good workout three of four times a week.

I love basketball. I love interscholastic sports.

I find officiating a challange. I'm always trying to improve.

I get paid for this. I wouldn't do it for free, except for the Special Oympics Unified Games and the "Doc" Hurley Scholarship Tournament.

[The Canuck]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

You inferred that the multi-sport officials from MASS were the same as a few officials that you know--i.e. they were only in it for the power and the money.

Perhaps I'm not being clear. What I should have said was that my first impression of multi-sport officials - which has been formed based on what I observe from watching and working with some blowhards in BC - is that they are out there for money and to be authority figures. I didn't say it was like that in Massachusetts, but it certainly doesn't seem like it based on the quotes in that article...

... which are refreshing for me to hear about after working with some egomaniacs who think they're God's gift to basketball, tennis, korfball, football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, fast pitch softball, standard pitch softball, slow pitch softball, t-ball, curling, figure skating, etc. Either way, I did not intend to crap on anybody. Jurassic, you don't have to "buy" this either if it's not what you're hoping to read.

[jkjenning]

I love basketball - thanks to all the years of ball my children provided!
It keeps me physically active.
It keeps me mentally active.
I get to go to work with my sons!
I love basketball - it changes slowly, giving an official the chance to study and eventually excel without feeling that the excellence is a "moving target".
Variety - lots of schools to work at, lots of officials to work with.
Meeting other officials - the finest of folks!
Teamwork on the court, 2 or 3-man.
Personal growth - dealing with stressful situations and learning how to not aggravate the situation but to soothe it.
Administering a basketball game - just a wonderful opportunity to fascilitate a fair contest.
I love basketball - nothing better in the playoffs than seeing three good teams take the court!

[Swingandamiss]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

I officiate because it gives me the opportunity to exercise virtual unlimited authority over people for no other reason than I just want to be able to make them subservient to my will.

At least, that's what my wife says. I'm not so sure she's wrong.

That's pretty much the way I feel about it. Love the game, just wanna make it a good game.