Importance of games

[JPaco54]

I enjoy the game and working with kids to help them learn the game and to enjoy the game for what it is. At my age I doubt I will ever ref at the HS level. What frustrates me the most at the rec level are refs that have an attitude and don't know the rules and look like slobs. Maybe I take this too seriously. Reffing basketball games has been a tremendous outlet for me to reduce stress and think about the joy and fun in life. After losing my dad, my job, my home(house fire) and diagnosed with Lyme disease, two cars vandalized, one car totaled and my best friend (dog) died, in a span of 5 months, this game has given me an outlet. My dad was an amateur umpire (Little League in New England). He never umped a game without polishing his shoes, putting a tuck in his shirt and presenting a professional appearance. That is the way I approach every game. In two years of reffing, I still study the rules and keep up with the changes. I read everything I can and then role play situations to better prepare myself. I have received some high marks from other senior refs but I still strive to improve each and every game. Some of my brother refs, that are senior to me, still dont know all the rules and don't care. They call a lousy game, don't hustle, no mechanics and no communication. So, when coaches and fans, parents etc, start to get on their case and complain, I can not blame them. They bring it upon themselves and then they get an attitude. I am not immune to making mistakes because I have had my share of missed calls and forgetting a rule(s) as well. Some of these refs should hang it up because they do not do anything for the game nor for the spirit of the game and for good competition and sportsmanship. You know some of them and I am not saying all rec refs are like this but there are quite a few. I always look forward to learning something from a partner and sharing experiences, just like this forum. This is where one can grow and improve and get a great perspective on the game, both the good and the ugly. I have mentioned to my assignor that I prefer not to partner with some, but he likes to give me the troubled ones in hopes that I can help them improve. So when I hear some stories about fans and coaches getting on refs, I reflect back on my dad...and think about myself and how I am representing the game... "Am I prepared (know the rules)...am I mentally alert...did I check my attitude at the door...Am I hear to enjoy the game...is my shirt tucked, pants pressed, shoes shined, hair combed and I always rember to introduce myself to my partner, smile and say "Look forward to working with you, now let's play some basketball."