Why do you officiate?

[Tim Roden]

I started doing it for the money. I continue to do it because I get paid to learn how to be a people person, how to handle complaints, how to be in control without being controlling, how to stand out above the crowd, how to make ten of the most famous people in the world stop what they are doing and listen to you for five seconds.

And the number one reason why I officiate basketball is.... They pay me to watch basketball.

[bossref]

Like many of you, I got into officiating
because of a "no-show". In 1973 at ULowell Div 3 (MA),
my roommates and I had just finished our practice
and were about to leave when the intramural director begged us to help out because he was "short-handed". We worked (3) games and had some fun with it. The cross country coach there saw that we had some knowledge and potential so he invited us to join him at the high school meeting. We fit in well at the start and even got varsity (small private school) games in our first year (you solicit your own games at the sub-=varsity and private schools). I moved to CA after 6 years of climbing the ladder in MA. I worked boys and girls hs, jc, and small college, and up to D1 women.All the while working rec ball. Now after all those games and miles, I own a company that assigns officials to almost 50 recreational leagues. There have been some bumps in the road along the way, but the benefits far outweigh the problems/obstacles. I have made some lasting friendships with many fine people who officiate. I have been fortunate enough to work for 15 years at Magic Johnson's camps (some great coaches on staff). I got to ref games with many, many, ex-NBA-ers. I reffed quite a few high schoolers now playing in the NBA. I have built a network in San Diego with some very important business men. etc etc etc
I have recently begun a weekly newsletter for the officials in my business. I try to educate and mentor. I get much satisfaction from "helping" someone to be a better official and a better person. And oh yeh, did I forget to mention that I love the challenge and thoroughly enjoy the feeling of being on-stage during games and recognized around town.
Also not a bad thing to get into sporting events (and onto golf courses) free, because of friendships made with coaches, owners, players, security guards, and parents.
I've only got a few more miles left in this old body
so I try to enjoy every moment possible, every once in a while stopping to reflect on this awesome opportunity.
How good is it when players come up to you after their game(even the losers) to tell you "GOOD GAME REF!"?
Thanks for allowing me to share my experiences.
Barry "the boss" Alman
http://www.sdboss.com

[Don in MN]

Previously said in this forum: "Let the Euros stick to something they know, like boring soccer and cheese."

As a native of America's Dairyland (Wisconsin), I take offense at people saying that the Euros know cheese better than Cheeseheads...Real Wisconsin cheese is the best in the world, hands down!


Onto the topic:

I was never much of an athlete (perhaps eating too much of that Wisconsin cheese while growing up in the Dairy state), but I loved sports and wanted to be involved. I started, like a lot of people here, doing youth Little League games and the like. Worked intramural hoops in college and eventually got my certification to work hoops in Minnesota, where I live. Been doing high school JV/B-squad games in Minnesota for the past three years. I enjoy it, though I don't know how much longer I can do it, with my work schedule (I work in college athletics PR and do a lot of freelance work in the Twin Cities for various pro and college teams). Still, I enjoy officiating. It keeps me in some form of shape (round is a shape!) and has helped me as a basketball fan to increase my understanding of the game.

[stripes]

Originally posted by Don in MN
As a native of America's Dairyland (Wisconsin), I take offense at people saying that the Euros know cheese better than Cheeseheads...Real Wisconsin cheese is the best in the world, hands down!

Sorry to disagree with you, but I spent a couple of years living in Europe (Belgium and Holland) and I have never eaten any cheese in the US that compares to what they have there. Don't get me wrong I love the good old USA, but the Euros can make cheese (and bread ).

[zebraman]

Hey Barry,

What scheduling software do you use to assign all your referees?

Thanks,

Z

[bossref]

I considered using software many years ago.
I don't for a few reasons.

#1 I get sooooo many changes from leagues and I get more
than a few turnbacks from officials.
I like to see erasures and additions.

#2 I like to see the whole day in front of me.
I post M-W on one page and Thur-Sun on another
then staple together a month's worth.
I use 10 - 40 officials each day.

#3 I can carry them anywhere and they're not bulky.

#4 I don't own a laptop. Too bulky for my bag
and don't trust the thieves. Computers crash!

#5 I'm used to my "system".

#6 Storage is easier for me.

[AK ref SE]

I was coaching my sons Basketball game, and an official said that I would make a better official than a coach. I figured I would give it a try!
I Love the excercise, frienships, and it has helped me in my everyday life with dealing with people(especially the difficult ones). Oh yeah....I also get the best seat in the house!

AK ref SE

[Don in MN]

Stripes:

You've got to go to one of the off-the-beaten-path creameries or cheese shops in Wisconsin. Some of the cheese is incredible!

Of course, there's also a famous cheese shop in western Wisconsin that features "Taxidermy and Cheese"! What a combination...

As Homer Simpson once said...."ohhhhh....cheese...."

[stripes]

Believe me, I am not disparaging the cheese makers in WI.

The kaasboers (literally "cheese farmers"), the guys who sell cheese in the markets have such a selection of wonderful cheeses that it is incredible. You can ask for the type and age of cheese that you want (young gouda) sample it and then adjust the age of the cheese to your taste (a little older, a little younger, etc.) so you get exactly what you want.

The cheeses here are fine, but they are not nearly as good those over there, IMO.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by Don in MN
Stripes:

Of course, there's also a famous cheese shop in western Wisconsin that features "Taxidermy and Cheese"! What a combination...

Here in Oregon, we have a place that is a combination taxidermy shop and veterinarian. In the window is a sign that reads, "Either way - you get your dog back."

BTW - we have a place here called Tillamook that makes a pretty mean cheddar.

[Peter Devana]

I became an official so that I could stay in the game at the same levels I played. I guess that means -for the love of the game-
Pistol

[Larks]

Because if it was easy, everyone would be doing it!

Larks - Softball Guy and Rookie Ref