Why We Don't Diss

[Amesman]

Face it, at some point, doing MS and even kid rec games falls under the "giving back to the game" category (even though, ironically, you're probably still taking $omething from it). The kids are trying their best, so they still deserve our best -- physically, attitude-wise and mentally focused. If it doesn't make you sweat, that's great. (Some officials it will make sweat and, well, bully for them if they're giving it a good go.)

I never thought how much I was sweating or how far/fast I was running was the point of officiating (a needed element, perhaps but not the sole or most important criteria). There is still "good" basketball to be seen and officiated, whether it's HS V, frosh A or B, MS, Princeton or Dean Smith's four-corner stall.

All of it deserves conscientious effort and should be appreciated for the earnestness of the participants ... which basically loops back to the message in the OP. IMHO

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Amesman

Face it, at some point, doing MS and even kid rec games falls under the "giving back to the game" category (even though, ironically, you're probably still taking $omething from it). The kids are trying their best, so they still deserve our best -- physically, attitude-wise and mentally focused. If it doesn't make you sweat, that's great. (Some officials it will make sweat and, well, bully for them if they're giving it a good go.)

I never thought how much I was sweating or how far/fast I was running was the point of officiating (a needed element, perhaps but not the sole or most important criteria). There is still "good" basketball to be seen and officiated, whether it's HS V, frosh A or B, MS, Princeton or Dean Smith's four-corner stall.

All of it deserves conscientious effort and should be appreciated for the earnestness of the participants ... which basically loops back to the message in the OP. IMHO

I worked a middle school game last year. Filled in for a guy who was working a state football final. I worked it as hard and the exact same way I do a varsity game. Personally, I know no other way. I sweat just as much as I normally do.