humbling Position

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by REFVA

I've posted to this forum for some time. Last year I was selected to officiate D3 womens side and never did a game. I was told by most of you that my age wouldn't play a role. I turned 50, This year I went to a number of camps, slimmed down some weight, became more defined in my built, worked on my speed. Yet this year I must have gotten worst becuase not only didn't I not get recruited. I did'nt get a second look at. I was told that I improved from last year, which again I didn't get an assignment, yet this year I got better but didn't get selected. I've been doing basketball all year round, of course I did some AAu, Summer HS and Fall HS both boys and girls. I have gone to some clinics worked with some D-1 officials, one which is also an NBA evaultor and rule interpreter. yet I get worst.

The questions here is, do we get burnt out and not even know it. and it displays on the court? Yet we as individuals don't see it ourselves.

be gentle on the comments, thanks

Don't assume that because you didn't get put on a roster, that you got worse. There are so many other factors to how they choose their refs, and your own capabilities often will have very little to do with it. If I were you, I'd find a mentor who's working at that level, and say to that person, "I want to keep improving, would you watch a couple of my tapes and make suggestions?" DON'T say, "will you help me get picked up?" When they are watching your tape say, "How would you handle that in a hs game? How would you handle it in a D3 game?" In this way, you'll show a willingness to improve at whatever level you're at. And then work to move up the ladder at the level you're at. Work for the best hs games, the hs tournaments and so on. Or Juco or whatever.

Most of all, don't define your SELF by how high a level of games you get. Do the best wherever you are, and maintain a life outside of reffing. Be a whole person who likes to ref.

You are still allowed to have those thoughts, "How did SHE move up and I didn't!? I'm so much better than her!" You're just not allowed to express those to anyone but your spouse.