Should I stay or should I go

[Philz]

I've been officiating BB for 15 years now. I've been doing NJB, HS, and adult rec ball. Last year really depressed me and is making me wounder if I want to do this anymore. I worked my ussual 100 plus game but I never have had so many bad experiences in one season as I did last year and every year seems to get worst.
I was assaulted once in adult rec game, had a fight break out in a HS boys game were one boy had to be taken to the hospital and have reconstrutive sugery on his face (I'm still waiting to be called to court on that one). I called more techs last year I believe then in my whole officating career. I never saw so much bad sportsmanship. The last straw was toward the end of the year I kinda lost it myself and actually premeditated an ejection on a player(adult rec) that had given me some crap all year and I decided to get rid of him ASAP. I never done that before and felt so bad I gave up on officating the rest of the year. In fact I didnt even ump softball which was the fist time in 10 years.
I'm not a bad official and ussually get selected to do some high profile games and although I could have done some things better I'm feeling this isnt fun anymore. In fact toward the end of the season I did not look forward to my games.
Anybody else get that feeling?

[fiasco]

First of all, quit doing wreck ball. I can bet that will help your situation by at least 50%.

[wanja]

If you are not doing so already, considering including rec ball with very young players in the mix. It can be invigorating. I've officiated 3rd and fourth grade girls for the past few years. Its a combination of officiating and teaching and a reminder of why I love doing this. I stick with "my girls" for the whole season. The kids learn so fast, and are ready to be good sports if the adults let them.

You may also want to be more selective with the games and leagues you work.

[Camron Rust]

At one point, I was doing as many games as I could fit in my schedule. I found I was typically hating basketball about 2/3's the way through the season. Then, one season, I decidd to cut out nealry all non-HS games and I immediately starting having fun again....a lot fewer games, but I look forward to nearly every one...instead of dreading the last 4-5 weeks.

Try reducing the number (mostly from the set you find least enjoyable...not necessarily the least profitable).

[Coltdoggs]

Originally Posted by wanja

If you are not doing so already, considering including rec ball with very young players in the mix. It can be invigorating. I've officiated 3rd and fourth grade girls for the past few years. Its a combination of officiating and teaching and a reminder of why I love doing this. I stick with "my girls" for the whole season. The kids learn so fast, and are ready to be good sports if the adults let them.

You may also want to be more selective with the games and leagues you work.

I agree with wanja.....I work a ton of MS and lower level stuff. We have some travel leagues and I do a bulk of my stuff for them year round....I love the MS 6th-8th grade. Boys and girls.... I get my share of HS games in this league as well and NEVER...I repeat, NEVER EVER do men's wreck....that is the absolute worst unless you just flat out need the money.

I like the teaching aspect of the younger levels, having the kids come up to me and say "Hey Ref" in between games...I've met some really great kids and watched some of them excel and play for the area HSs.

[Smitty]

I once felt burnt out and wasn't having any fun anymore working basketball games. I decided to take some time off. I didn't miss it for 5 years, then I got back into it again with a passion I hadn't felt in all my previous years. My advice would be to take a year off and see how you feel next year at this time. If you miss it with a passion, start up again. If not, take another year off. You're doing no one any favors by staying in it if you aren't having fun.

[Stat-Man]

Speaking from my own experiences from the other side of the table, if you're not having fun, take time to evaulate what you need to do. Maybe it's just dropping the men's rec ball (since that seems to be part of all the grief), maybe you just do high school games, or maybe you go as far as taking some time away to mentally recharge yourself.

Just a few days ago, two of the more verteran officials in the area were talking at halftime about how younger officials don't officiate long-term due to all the crap they put up with.

[JugglingReferee]

Dump the wreck ball.

I just sent an e-mail to one of my assignors a couple of nights ago that I am no longer doing wreck ball.

I'm already happier! LOL

Additionally, I have had years where I scaled back the number of games that I accepted, and I realized that I would miss it if I quit. You could try that, or take 1 year off, as a starting point. I think that the passion will come back.

[Freddy]

Semper ubi, sub ubi.

Oh, sorry. I guess that belongs with the thread, "Proper Officiating Uniform."

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Freddy

Semper ubi, sub ubi. Oh, sorry. I guess that belongs with the thread, "Proper Officiating Uniform."

I can't find anything in the manual stating that officials must wear underwear. Some of us like to go commando, and the manual allows it. I checked it with my evaluator.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I can't find anything in the manual stating that officials must wear underwear. Some of us like to go commando, and the manual allows it. I checked it with my evaluator.

I guess that would be funnier in the event of having your pants split open.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

I guess that would be funnier in the event of having your pants split open.

For whom?

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

For whom?

Your evaluator, of course.

[Jim Henry]

I am 54 years old and entering my 8th season. I guess I starting being a ref somewhat late in life but I wanted a challenge, get some exercise and try something different.

I do mostly MS, Jr H, Frosh, and a few JV. Boys and girls. I don’t aspire to ever do V games. Some may think that is wrong or weak but that’s want I want. I enjoy being out there with the little ones and trying to be a teacher, (not a coach.). I don’t think I’ll ever do rec games because of the lack of discipline and the lack of enforcement of league rules.

My first few years I would go home after a tough game and say, “Why do I keep doing this?” But I didn’t quit for some reason.

I keep on doing games and it gets easier and better each year. Sure, there will always be the jerk coach and stupid spectator, but for the most part, it’s a fulfilling experience.

I tend to be tough on myself when I make a bad call, replay the play and call in my head on the ride home, but I learn to let it go. I do about 2-3 games a week and that is adequate for me and I think I go a good job because the same ADs ask me to come back ever year.

In closing, sit back and evaluate your goals. Weigh the advantages over the disadvantages and go from there. Fewer games with more “teachable” moments with younger players may be just want you need.

Best wishes and hang in there!

[OHBBREF]

Originally Posted by Philz

I've been doing NJB, HS, and adult rec ball. Last year ... I worked my ussual 100 plus game

cut out the wreck ball and see how it goes. If that doesn't bring back the fun and you do not enjoy it then take a year off.
there is a lot of good advice above ... but the most important "I found the fun in my kit bag again, it had gone missing."
if you are not having fun and enjoying yourself then you are doing no favor to any one being out there.