If I knew then what I know now...

[AKOFL]

My grandfather was the official in our family. He did football and basketball. Football he called in the Bakersfield CA area backin the day. Basketball all over. his last games were is Alaska I believe. He was a great outdoorsmen and sports enthusiest.(?) He got me into officiating but I was never able to work with him before he died of cancer. I wish he was still around to see me work state I'm sure he would be proud. And I could thank him for giving me this rewarding career.

[grunewar]

Wait until Justacoach sees this.......proud papa gonna come out!

I couldn't interest my boys at all unfortunately. Some have the desire, others not so much.

I too do a bit of pro-bono type work with Rec Leagues, talk it up at every chance I get, try to recruit others, and try to show a special interest to help the few young ones that may have a future if they choose to continue.

Unfortunately, I personally got started too late in the game and wish I too had started many yrs ago. I was too busy coaching my boys in soccer, baseball, and basketball....which are the right reasons be late to the stripes IMO!

[Raymond]

When I was in HS I used to keep the book and/or clock for military intramurals and base team games. During my senior in HS the head of the association at Travis AFB asked me if wanted to be an official. I said no because I was thinking I'd be reffing adults I was scared/intimidated. Never even occurred to me that I would start off with little kids games.

Ended up waiting until I was 37 1/2 years old (in need of $$$ because of impending divorce) when I wore the stripes for the first time. Luckily I've had a pretty good career progression for someone who started that late. But boy, where would I be now if I had started as a teen-ager?

Tomegun officiated my games when I was in the military in the early/mid 90's, sure wish he would have recruited to the darkside back then.

[just another ref]

My son called his first game with me at age 10. 11-12 boys rec game and there was nobody else. I asked for an adult volunteer. I tossed him my extra whistle and said let's go. He did fine. He is now 20 and has never registered as an official but has helped me occasionally over the years at levels jr. high and below.

[tw1ns]

My son started umpiring little league games a few years ago. He has always been a catcher (as was I) so he was used to seeing the strike zone, which i think makes it easier. Hopefull one day, we will get a chance to do some HS games together as a crew when he comes home from college in the summer. As far as basketball, there hasn't been the same opportunities as baseball. Just finished my 15th year as a certified official. Which happens to be the age of my son. My wife blames him for driving me out of the house.

[justacoach]

I have the distinct pleasure of completing my officiating dynasty. In January of this year I worked with my 3rd son (16 in April) doing local rec ball games (at $31/per). He has made significant progress since then to the point of serving some orange pekoe to 2 deserving travel league coaches. His progress and acclimation has been slower than his older brothers (going on 17 and 19) who are both in their 4th year. #3 was never much of a bball player but since he lives in a 365x7x24 rules clinic he has it all except the experience.

#1 and #2 son have gained recognition from some influential mentors and are considered to have bright futures by those who matter.

Remind me to change my sig!!!

Kudos to all the longstanding members of this board and the accumulated knowledge herein. Such a great resource for getting up to speed and staying sharp on all the nuances hidden in the books that are brought to life here.

Proud? yewbetcha...

[CDurham]

My father was an official for 20 years (Church, Rec, and JV) and I always played. I was always interested going with him to his games and also talking to officials calling my games. As soon as I was eligible to register with the State Association I did (this year). I cant find any other thing I would rather be doing.

[Scuba_ref]

I too started very late in life. The third of my four daughters (11yrs old) has been going to games with me from the beginning and this year she officiated with me at some volunteer church ball games. She says she wants to be a nurse (like her mother) and a ref. After watching me for the past few years she has a pretty good handle on the rules and the mechanics.

It sure is fun to have her tag along and spend that time with me. The youngest (9 yrs old) says she likes to tag along also - but she really just likes to hit the concession stand.

[DLH17]

Originally Posted by justacoach

I have the distinct pleasure of completing my officiating dynasty. In January of this year I worked with my 3rd son (16 in April) doing local rec ball games (at $31/per). He has made significant progress since then to the point of serving some orange pekoe to 2 deserving travel league coaches. His progress and acclimation has been slower than his older brothers (going on 17 and 19) who are both in their 4th year. #3 was never much of a bball player but since he lives in a 365x7x24 rules clinic he has it all except the experience.

#1 and #2 son have gained recognition from some influential mentors and are considered to have bright futures by those who matter.

Remind me to change my sig!!!

Kudos to all the longstanding members of this board and the accumulated knowledge herein. Such a great resource for getting up to speed and staying sharp on all the nuances hidden in the books that are brought to life here.

Proud? yewbetcha...

VERY cool!

(change your sig line)

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by DLH17

VERY cool!

+1

Oh yeah...(change your sig line)

My father didn't officiate but went to quite a few of my baseball games and even a couple of football games. I'm hoping when I eventually spawn that I can share my love of officiating with my kids.

[justacoach]

Originally Posted by grunewar

I was too busy coaching my boys in soccer, baseball, and basketball.

Which means he was still 'officiating' but it was "outside the lines" and he wasn't getting paid and certainly not in proper uniform.....
He has since reformed and is a most venerable member of our brotherhood, if only to assuage the guilt for his behavior while coaching

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by justacoach

Which means he was still 'officiating' but it was "outside the lines" and he wasn't getting paid and certainly not in proper uniform.....
He has since reformed and is a most venerable member of our brotherhood, if only to assuage the guilt for his behavior while coaching

Hehe...I resemble that, too.

[fullor30]

I'm trying to get my 14 yr old son involved and so far he's luke warm. he's umping our local house league this spring so hopefully he'll get the bug.

I'm mentoring a friend of mine's 17 yr old son who has yet to ref a game, but has shadowed a few times. He has good DNA as his uncle was a superbowl white hat not too long ago.

I kick myself everyday for not getting into officiating earlier. Thankfully, I finally made the plunge.

[love2refbball]

As long as I can remember my dad has officiated basketball & I grew up in the gym. When I was about 12, in 7th grade he gave me a whistle & a shirt. I did 3rd grade church league. Every year I go work an 8th grade tournament game with him. Last year when I got to work a 1st round game in the DIII womens tourney he was there to videotape it, he was very proud. (so proud that if you heard him tell it you would have thought I was working the final four...

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by love2refbball

As long as I can remember my dad has officiated basketball & I grew up in the gym. When I was about 12, in 7th grade he gave me a whistle & a shirt. I did 3rd grade church league. Every year I go work an 8th grade tournament game with him. Last year when I got to work a 1st round game in the DIII womens tourney he was there to videotape it, he was very proud. (so proud that if you heard him tell it you would have thought I was working the final four...

Ain't nuthin like a proud papa!

My dad and mom have only seen me ref one game. Unfortunately, I was pressed into service at my son's Rec Game several yrs ago as a ref was a no show........you can imagine.

The game was in a cafagymateria with a really slick, tile floor. At one point my son loses his footing and goes down to the floor. TWEEET! Travel! Wham! He slams the ball down! Whack! I award my FIRST T Ever!

They won, but it was a very cold, quiet ride home in that car......thankfully, it was a short ride.