Juggling Work/Career with Officiating

[flaref0812]

I have a "traditional" 8-5 profession, which also allows me plenty of OT (if deisred). My boss is very understanding and accommodating, as she has 1 playing D2 college and 1 playing varsity HS. She also coaches an AAU team from March to June.

I've set up my ref schedule to accommodate my work schedule; i.e. taking games after 7 PM and anytime on the weekends. This gives me time for work, mentally and physcially preparing myself on the way and then officiating the game without work stress. But, when the BC calls and asks me to work an early game because he is in need, my boss is very accommodating and let's me go early.

[Back In The Saddle]

As you know, it's usually a matter of individual situation. My boss is very understanding, and I reciprocate with plenty of extra hours in the off-season. And, as one's HS schedule improves, the game times tend to be later in the day.

I'm fortunate to be in a field where there is some flexibility. I teach at a community college, so I can pretty much set my office hours so that I can leave for some early games if needed. My only restriction is that I have to have at least 30 hours on campus, so that gives me some flexibility too, as long as I teach my classes.

What I've done is give my assignor my availability by stating what time my last class ends for the day and let the assignor figure out where I can be and at what time. I've had no problems so far, and matter of fact, this year I'm noticing some of my games are getting to be a little later, which means more time in my office before I head to my games. Nice.

As for needing to leave early (which happens more on Fridays during football season because we travel to some far away games), my program chair has been understanding. I think it helps I'm here from 7 AM to 9 PM on Mondays during the fall semester (night class). My dean has been great about it, as long as I teach my classes and put in 30 hours a week. She knows I'm here at least 40 because she's seen my office lights on before 7 in the morning sometimes.

Important thing is, be upfront with your supervisor about it, and it doesn't hurt to let him/her know what kind of a schedule you have. Give some kind of advance notice (ie, I'm giving my dean and program chair my basketball schedule now that the subvarsity games have been finalized). If the supervisor isn't understanding, then you would have to make a tough decision. But, the more open and cordial you are about your schedule and obligations outside of work, the more open and cordial your supervisor may be.

[Adam]

I've had an 8-5 schedule for some time now. But, while my schedule is 8-5, flexibility is also key and my boss has been very understanding. They key is getting my work done, and as long as I put in 40 hours, things are good. If I can't get 40 hours, I don’t have a problem using vacation time now and then.

Last year, I told my assigner when I was available, but that I could leave early occasionally. Then, I went and took some middle school games that start at 3:30 around here. This year, I dropped the middle school games and told my assigner that my availability is not restricted. I realized I was limiting him from giving me many varsity games since my availability restricted me to in-town games during the week. Since making the change, he's given me an out-of town Friday night varsity game next week. I'm lucky to have understanding management, though.