In basketball, an official (usually called a referee)
enforces the rules and maintains order in the game. Basketball is regarded as
among the most difficult sports to officiate due to the speed of play, complexity
of rules, the case-specific interpretations of rules, and the instantaneous
decision required (definition from Wikipedia)
Does a good official need to validate that they are indeed
that by tournament appearances? In my opinion, not at all. I know really good officials that have yet to officiate a tournament game, and
have been officiating for years. I would work with these officials ANY
day of the week.
I have, and will NEVER
let a profession that I have chosen to participate in, define me
in any way, shape or form. Tournament games are NOT the only form of validation
that you are a good official.
If an official goes out, works hard and does their very
best each time out, that in itself should be a testament of what type of
official they are. Taking pride in your work, knowing and enforcing the rules equitably, professionalism (on and off the court) and having a strong work ethic is paramount to what
I feel makes good officials.
When a hall of fame official (50+ years in the game) is
sitting in the front row of a game, and tells the officials that they are doing
a great job out there....is that validation or what?
Of course it makes some very proud to be able to say I
have officiated state tournament games, etc. Me.....my pride lies in:
1. My
family, the fact that we are all healthy, kids did/doing very well with their
education, and fortunately aren't faced with the challenges of a lot of others;
2. My
career/job and staff where there's a much bigger picture and
opportunities to make a difference in the lives of so many on a daily basis;
3. The
fact that my work & work ethic on & off the court is recognized by my
peers (hall of famers or not).
Now THAT is
what I am comfortable being defined by.
Do I, and have I officiated tournament games? Yes!
Will I do so again this year? Yes!
As President of my association, I feel the need to
publically recognize those really good officials who are not recognized in this
manner. Is the selection process political in nature? I don't know,
but the perception is certainly out there. I believe one of my roles as
President of my association, is to represent ALL members of our association, not just those that are selected to
participate in the state tournament.
I am extremely proud of those from my association that are
selected, please don't get me wrong, and I congratulate each one both
publically and in person. There is an immense sense of pride when one or
more of your association members are representing the assoc. on the biggest
stages in Ohio high school basketball...but there is also something special to
be said about those that work extremely hard, do a helluva job, be it Varsity,
JV & Freshman, Junior High/Middle School, CYO, or any of the number of AAU
related tournaments that now exist. Do all officials work
hard....NOPE! Everyone knows at least one that doesn't....LOL, and it’s
sad and hard/frustrating to watch a lazy official.
To those officials that continue to work hard, give back and
provide the game with what our main mission/purpose is as officials...... I
encourage you to PLEASE keep the faith, continue to work hard, take pride,
and give the teams/ schools your best while on the court...they deserve
it. Please do not let a perceived arbitrary process define your
impact on the game, and what we as officials bring to the game....it's much
bigger than that!!
You ARE making a
difference!
