Why We Ref

[kmw]

how appropriate for this thread - in my mail the other day was the Officials Quarterly by NFHS - an article titled "why don't they retire - by longtime football official Jerry Sulecki. Although he doesn't give a clear decision on how to answer this - I agree with a quote "Officiating is not something I do - it's what I am. Officiating defines and dominates my life". Maybe thats why its tough to give it up. It doesn't seem like anyone side of the equation; assignor, association or official can come up with an easy answer to determine when it is time to retire.

There are a couple of older (70+) officials in my association and they still TRY to officiate. I am on the younger side of my group and have been at this for 13 years. I am poised and ready to take on more challenges IF these officials would/could realize that their time has passed. I worked with one last year and he told me "that he had cataract surgery, a bad hip and would not be switching on any fouls" - that may work with him with the coaches but it certainly would not work for me as I am still earning coaches respect.

On the flip side I worked with an official last year who let it be known that it would be his "farewell tour" as he felt that it was time and wanted to go out on his terms. I left that game with the utmost respect and admiration for that official AND thinking "thats the way I want to leave the game".

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by kmw

I worked with one last year and he told me "that he had cataract surgery, a bad hip and would not be switching on any fouls" - that may work with him ...

If he can't do the job properly, then he needs to stop. That is unacceptable. He needs to pull his own weight. I don't care what the coaches think. What about what his fellow officials think?

[gordon30307]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

PS This is one reason that I believe that an age limit is a necessity for a HS association. It saves a great deal of hassle.

eir a

This is probably the dumbest thing I've read in a long time. Yes some guys can't let go and there are some guys 70 + that take care of themselves and there are lazy *** young guys that can't remember the last time they saw their feet and have no business doing a fifth grade game let alone a varsity game. Doing 3 man has extended the careers of many officials. Besides that I think the association will get therir *** sued for age discrimination.

Be careful what you wish for. Someday you will get there.

PS

I'm not an old guy. Getting close but not there yet

[Indianaref]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

( he never has called a "T" in nearly 40 years. )

Really?

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

I work with a guy who is about 73 years old or so. The last 2 years he has slowed down, alot.

No one has the heart to tell him, but coaches are complaining at every level. Our association has limited his Varsity games ( we work 3 man Varsity ) so, varsity games are easier for him to work and easier for us to help him out. So , he does a lot more 2 man games with younger officials. That's harder on both of them. I know the board doesn't want him to come back next year. Any way, here's my point.

Why does he continue to referee? He has loads of money. It's not the money. He has been a boss in many jobs. It's not the power ( he never has called a "T" in nearly 40 years. ) He does it for the friendships with other refs. If he wasn't refereeing, he would be sitting at home and dying. He would be lonely, his family is grown. He works part time, so he has that. But he referees all year round. Most years he does more than 100 games. This year about 45 to 50. Everyone loves him, but his time has past.

How would you want it broke to you if you hit that point?

Why do you referee?

I love the friendships with other refs but I love basketball itself. I played in high school, Rec league and coached and owned a team. If I felt I wasn't able to hold my own I would want smeone to tell me. There are other things we can do and stay involved.

73? A mere child next to guy in my area who is 83 and is still at it. I saw him doing my daughter's feeder games 10 years ago and thought he was ancient.

God bless him. If I'm not mistaken he did a final four game back in the day.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by fullor30

God bless him. If I'm not mistaken he did a final four game back in the day.

When was that? Was that the same year that JR finally decided to hang em up?

[mu4scott]

Seriously....???? No "T" in 40 years??? How is that even possible.

[hugheske44]

I dont think I could tell the guy to hang it up, that should be left to the assignor.

I ref because I love the game, always have, always will.

~~~

[SonikBoom]

Love the game, love working with the kids, love getting paid for the exercise. And when I'm 73, I can still do all those things by doing lower level games, and mentoring and evaluating. Which is my plan.

[Terrapins Fan]

Originally Posted by mu4scott

Seriously....???? No "T" in 40 years??? How is that even possible.

Patience is the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties.

[Mark Padgett]

he never has called a "T" in nearly 40 years.

So in the last almost 40 years, he never had anyone reach across the boundary and slap the ball? He never had 2 delay warnings on the same team in the same game? He never had a game with an illegal substitution? He never had too many players on the court? He never had a player report in without being in the book? etc., etc., etc.

I have to tell you, I find that hard to believe.