What did you learn this season?

[Mark Padgett]

Since I missed the entire season due to my heart surgery, I learned how much I miss it when I'm not working it, especially the little kids games. Two HS kids contacted me to tell me they had been looking forward to having me train them to ref in our local kids rec league and they were really sorry I wasn't able to help them. Previously, I had trained the older brothers of each of them.

If I'm not able to come back next season, it's going to be tough to cope with such a big loss out of my life that I've loved for well over 20 years, especially when you consider I've averaged between 100-150 games per calendar year.

My best to all of you guys and gals and even if I'm gone, always remember the first rule of officiating.