If I knew then what I know now...

[bas2456]

Originally Posted by DLH17

...I would have started officiating basketball during the off season during my high school years and would have made it my 'part time' job while in college.

Why didn't I know how fulfilling this career would be back then?

With that in mind, I talk up the vocation to anyone that will listen. And, I've already started doing some pro bono games with my 13 yr old daughter at our church's youth basketball program. She's already hooked and wants me to continue helping her as she gets older and becomes eligible to to YMCA and biddy ball games.

The life lessons and skills taught through officiating are too numerous to count. I'm so happy she is interested.

Has anyone else introduced their son or daughter to officiating over the years?

Opposite, actually. I got my dad into it this season. He hasn't been able to take a ton of games because he's working on a small project known as a dissertation. Hopefully he'll finish up this spring and dive head first into basketball next season.

[bradfordwilkins]

Originally Posted by bas2456

Opposite, actually. I got my dad into it this season. He hasn't been able to take a ton of games because he's working on a small project known as a dissertation. Hopefully he'll finish up this spring and dive head first into basketball next season.

I got my father back into it last year... He had refereed for a season of HS ball 30 years ago and had a lot to catch up on...and it created a VERY interesting dynamic as partners; players would defer to him as the older, slightly balding experienced ref and he'd have to come ask the young guy for clarification ha.