Why do you officiate?

[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.

[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!