Newspaper Article

[deecee]

Originally Posted by just another ref

Sometimes there is another side of the coin. Quite a few years ago now, an article appeared in the local paper here. It was about an official calling it quits after a long career and, as I recall, was very sympathetic to his perspective. The notable quote from him was something like:

"Now the main objective of the game seems to be beating an opponent in any way you can, as badly as you can, and then to get in his face afterward. I've had enough."

I can relate.

I have never officiated for any other reason than I enjoy it. Yes I played, yes I also coached but I don't do it for the kids and I don't care either way for them. I just enjoy the challenges of officiating. Especially the one where I have to be impartial to all parties at all times and above all else.

Officiating for any other reason is just not a good way to approach this hobby/avocation/profession/career IMO.

[26 Year Gap]

Not all are like the one in the OP, of course. After a tightly fought rivalry game, I saw the local sports editor in the parking lot. He commented on how well the game was called with all of the tension, etc. I then explained to him what had occurred on one particular play, which was a technical foul for a DOG violation after a warning. He took out his notepad and wrote it down and used that reference in his writeup. He learned something, he was appreciative, he kept it anonymous, and he appeared to be a writer who knew a lot about the game to his readers. It was a play that only about 3 knew about with any certainty. It all boiled down to mutual respect...something that is in short supply.