Amongst the fans

[Terrance "TJ"]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Being an official has ruined my life as a basketball fan. Every time I go to a game in person, or watch one on television, I'm not watching the players, I'm watching the officials. This even happens when I go to UCONN men's, or women's game, and I'm not even a college official. I've had friends, or family, ask me, "Hey BillyMac, wasn't that a great pass?", to which I reply, "What pass? Did you see that official close down on the three point shot?".

When I eventually give up officiating, will I ever be able to go back to being a fan? Please tell me that I can go back. Someone? Please?

I'm an observant official when it comes to the game of basketball with two teams involved that I don't personally cheer for. But you give me my hs/juco alma mater, give me my big four year schools I cheer for (big time UConn fan..both sides, TTU) and I switch off the official in me and become a fan again. That's why I've talked to my area director about when I reach varsity level (though we as an association don't call local conf. games) that I will not ever call the LJ/Lamar games at _any_ level, I just can't get that part of my past HS exp. out of me, so I know that it will hinder my ability to officiate properly.

So, I think it can be done Billy...but will probably just depend on the person.