Secrets of working with Howler Monkies

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by just another ref


This, to me, is quite a compliment to an official. The point is that people notice and remember you when you screw up. I have a friend that is a basketball and baseball coach who occasionally calls some little league baseball in the summer. One year at the local all star tournament he had called third base for a whole game without my noticing him. (to tell the whole story, I believe he actually stood there for the whole game without having a call to make) After the game when I told him I hadn't even noticed who he was, he replied, "Good! I'm out there to run the show, not to be the show." I didn't tell him, but I liked that quote and have used it several times.

That is easy in baseball. Especially when you are on the bases. But usually one call a game will cause some kind of controversy. You have no choice but be the show.

Peace