Very Sweet Little Story

[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by Jerry Baldwin
I agree with Jullie. Sorry Mark P.(I seldom disagree with you)

That's OK - just read my signature at the bottom

Next time this happens to me, I'll call you to come do the game.

Actually, it almost happened to me recently. Here in Portland, the Trailblazers have an alumni team that plays for charities and non-profits to raise funds. They were playing at my local HS and I was there with my grandson Tyler to watch the game. One of my ref buddies was going to be one of the officials (he's a teacher there). He came up to me and said the other ref had not shown up yet and if he didn't, could I do the game. I had on gym shoes, but obviously no ref shirt or whistle. He said he had spares. He also said Tyler could sit on the bench with the players, so I said sure.

Of course, 5 minutes before game time, the guy shows up. My liability exposure would have been minimal if any at all, because I am an employee of a corporation when I ref.

I wish I could have done the game, because it's kind of a "Globetrotters" atmosphere, with the refs joking with the players and fans the whole time.

BTW - Tyler did get to meet all the players anyway. It was a great experience for a seven year old.