Slightly OT: Gift idea for first state tourney?

[referee99]

Originally Posted by jdw3018

My dad just got selected for his first state tournament. Guy's 'one of the good ones' who just enjoys officiating, has loved basketball all his life, works hard, and in the last year or two had kind of resigned himself to the fact that he probably wasn't going to get that call.

I've really been hoping he'd get one. He's never officiated college ball (didn't have the desire - just loves HS hoops), and he works in a part of his state that doesn't have many officials. He travels long distances to officiate some awful games, and gets good games, too. His state is a coach-driven state, and he's never been one to 'play the games.'

I'm betting he's only got a couple years left in him, as he doesn't want to be one of those guys who can't get up and down the court anymore. Needless to say, I was ecstatic for him when he got the call. He deserves it.

So...I'd love to get him a little something. Problem is, gift-giving is one of my least creative skills. Anyone done anything cool for another official who made their first state tournament? Would love the suggestions - thanks for any you can provide.

PS While dad has never done a lick of college ball, one of the 'fun' things about this opportunity is that he'll be officiating on the college court of his favorite D-I basketball team. I can tell he thinks it's pretty cool.

...ha! I'm sure my son will come through for me!

I'm not a big 'plaque on the wall' guy. I would prefer something that went with me to my future games. Bag tag, embroidered bag, clipboard/folder. Something that I could bring/use made me think of you and the honor.

That my 2 cents

[tjones1]

Congratulations to your Dad!

I would do the crew picture... have the other two officials autograph it for him and then frame it.

[Jurassic Referee]

Speaking for most Dad's, I'd rather have a 2-seater convertible. Just a thought.....

And my congratulations to your father also. No matter what, you'll have to arrange to get a video of the game from some source.

[doubleringer]

I'm sure he'd appreciate dinner and a cold beverage with his son afterwards. Something signed by the crew. Last season one of my baseball partners kept a "pearl" in the back of his bags on the plate when we worked my first sub-state game together. After the game he handed it to me signed when we went out for a beer. I have it on my desk now. It's more about him taking the time to recognize me getting the game than the ball itself. That and the fact that he is a little older than me and I have tremendous respect for him as an official and as a person.

[jdw3018]

All great ideas. Really appreciate the thoughts from this group.

Officiating is one of those few things that is a "just dad and me" kind of activity. We've been able to call a couple games together over the years, but for the most part we've never lived close enough when I've been officiating to do it. But we talk much more often during basketball and it's always about the latest game, or a situation we saw on TV, or what's coming up on the schedule. I've always been close with my dad, but officiating has done nothing but bring us closer.

Sorry to keep going on and on, I'm just a really proud and happy son. Can't wait to hear his thoughts afterwards.

[ronny mulkey]

[QUOTE=jdw3018;666551]All great ideas. Really appreciate the thoughts from this group.

Officiating is one of those few things that is a "just dad and me" kind of activity. We've been able to call a couple games together over the years, but for the most part we've never lived close enough when I've been officiating to do it. But we talk much more often during basketball and it's always about the latest game, or a situation we saw on TV, or what's coming up on the schedule. I've always been close with my dad, but officiating has done nothing but bring us closer.

JDW,

My son and I have called a college game and a State Tournament together and both were very memorable for me. I wished that we had documented it in some fashion or other like the folks on this board has suggested. One of the members in our high school group got to go up to Oak Hill in Virginia last Sunday and call one of their games with his Dad. I believe he has requested video.

I encourage you to go way, way out of your way to memoralize this milestone. Who knows when, or if, he'll make it back.

[tw1ns]

how about a watch?
with the State Association Logo in it....State Tournament Official.
that is what I got when I did my one game for the State of Iowa. But they supplied it. I am sure you could find a company on the web to make you one. Customlogowatches.com actually has some as I looked quickly. Something he could take with him and have with him all the time!
Congrats to him!

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by jdw3018

All great ideas. Really appreciate the thoughts from this group.

Officiating is one of those few things that is a "just dad and me" kind of activity. We've been able to call a couple games together over the years, but for the most part we've never lived close enough when I've been officiating to do it. But we talk much more often during basketball and it's always about the latest game, or a situation we saw on TV, or what's coming up on the schedule. I've always been close with my dad, but officiating has done nothing but bring us closer.

Sorry to keep going on and on, I'm just a really proud and happy son. Can't wait to hear his thoughts afterwards.

Not sure your dad is a grandpappy but what a neat thing to pass on and have everyone remember not only the event but a timeless photo/DVD of your father..