Recently at the end of our youth league during the awards ceremony I had one of those experiences that was good enough to erase a lot of the bad. I was sitting in front of the scorers table, while the trophies were being handed out on the endline at the far end of the gym. When the
11-12 girls champions were announced the first player in line stopped in front of me with her hand out. I thought for a second that she thought I had her trophy, but I quickly realized the truth. They were all lined up to give me a high five. Their coach, one of the really good guys and a good friend of mine, told me that this was their idea, not his. (but he did approve) This answers the question for me: "Why do we take all this junk?" As long as I am able and get this kind of response from the majority of the kids, I'll be there.:)

A few years ago I worked a Little League Softball State championship, and the Runners-up lined up to give me a hug. ;)

Called a varsity game at a private school. Fans did the usual complaining. After the game, one of the players for the losing team came up and shook our hands. He said "Thanks for calling our game. You guys have to put up with a lot of stuff, but I appreciate what you do." That was better than the paycheck...I cashed the check, but the kids/players are why I get on the court.

The "good" ones out number the "bad" ones...the "bad" one just make the most noise and get the most attention.

Hi:

I had just finished a nightmare girls middle school game
(court too small, gym too small, clueless players and coaches, etc...). It was a "get in and get out" event for the refs. While standing on the sideline watching the boys warm up (I was dreading these big boys on this tiny floor), a father came up to me and said, "Thank you for being here."

It was just enough for me to know that someone appreciated our efforts, and he realized the difficult circumstances we were officiating under.

YU.P. Sometimes it sure is nice to get a little pat on the head. ;)
Welcome to the forum.
mick

Just what we need! Another official from Massachusetts. Probably a BoSox fan,too. Be prepared!

Do you know Chuck Elias? He lives under a bridge just outside of Bah-ston.

Just kidding(except for the BoSox part).Welcome to the forum.

Yeah, but you should see the burned-out van that I live in! It's a chick-magnet. Sweet.

Chuck

You wanna talk about people from up north you should live where I was raised......Maine!!!!! I got outta there as fast as I could, thats for sure

Ah, diversity. We start a thread about mushy, heart-warming
moments of which there are so few, and we wind up with zings
abouts trolls looking for chicks. Such makes life interesting.

Well, have to admit I am a big BoSox fan, probably setting myself up for a gutwrenching September (again). I went to high school and college in Maine, but was able to escape by marriage. I'll stay in Bah-ston, thank you very much. Except for my children having this dreaded accent, I love it here. Just a heads-up: I am a female basketball ref (6 yrs) and baseball umpire (8 yrs), but I know my stuff (or try to). Thanks for the welcome.

I can say:
Watahville
Colby College Bayahaz
Lobstah.

Yeah, like the Boston accent is killin' you. :)

Mick:

I ended up in Maine (retired Navy brat) as a high school student.
I don't have THAT dreaded accent, either. But, you did a great imitation of it!

On Second thought
 

It's the Maine Bears and not CC. :rolleyes:

Dang! Kicked another one.

Well, have to admit I am a big BoSox fan[/B][/QUOTE]We'll be gentle.

Yo,Slappy! Fresh meat!

Heeheeheehee.....

Yes Mick, but you sounded good doing it - and we all know it's all about presence here!!