1. Camaraderie
The fellowship and humor officials share with one another are incomparable.
2. Boos
There’s nothing like fans booing when you have the silent satisfaction of knowing that you got it right.
3. Reverence for the Rules
Play by the rules regardless of what others are saying.
4. Escape
Once an official steps onto the court, field, ice or pitch, everyday problems seem to fade away.
5. Passion
The amount of passion officials have is off the charts. Passion to get plays right is what drives us.
6. Addiction
What official is not ready for his or her next game after the last? More games? We’ll take them. It’s an addiction that only officials understand.
7. Fitness
Who doesn’t like getting paid to exercise? There is little motivation needed to get you to work out through officiating.
8. Never the Same
Every game is unique and takes its own form. For the work of an official, no two days are the same.
9. Personalities
Interactions with the players, coaches and other officials are great. Officiating allows you to channel your inner psychologist with all the personalities involved.
10. Adrenaline
It’s a rush to be in the moment and have to make the big decision.
11. Community
Like Harley Davidson riders, there is no community like officials. When it comes down to it, during a game, officials’ only true friends are fellow officials. Many of them become your closest friends — lifelong friends.
12. Love of Sports
Most officials start out as sports fans. We truly enjoy the intricacies of the sports we work.
13. Discomfort
You are out of your comfort zone like in no other job, hobby or activity.
14. Movin’ On Up
Everyone starts at the amateur levels and some ascend to the top of the profession. There’s nothing wrong with staying at a particular level. But if you want to climb, opportunity is there.
15. Others Thinking We’re Crazy
Ever talk to someone and they look at you like you’re crazy? Officials have the unique ability to enjoy doing a job the average person thinks is impossible. When everyone runs away, we thrive on doing what no one else could imagine putting up with.
16. Impartiality
It is important for officials to think with a clear mind. Officiating teaches independent thinking and the ability to see the big picture — a skill that translates outside of officiating.
17. Money Talks
There is no better part-time job or hobby for people to make a little extra money.
18. In the Game
Officials stay engaged and a part of the game they once played. The connection lasts well beyond their playing careers.
19. All Five of the Senses
After a long work day, venting with the familiar sounds, smells and feels of the sport is a joy. Whether it’s the swish of a net, the smack of a ball, the smell of the dirt or the squeak of sneakers, we all have something that perks us up.
20. Focus
The amount of mental energy and physical demands is unmatched. Laser-sharp focus is required for the entire game.
21. Sort Out What Matters
With a lot of action going on and a lot of noise, you have to sort out what exactly matters. There can be no fear or favor — just deciding on matters based on rule.
22. Dedication
To truly be a good official, at any level, requires dedication.
23. Teamwork
No one official can carry a crew. The best officiating events require the dedication, togetherness and ability of all officials to be a team of one.
24. Make a Decision
You have to make quick and accurate judgments. Your training, experience and powers of observation will be challenged constantly.
25. Give Back
Most get something out of the sport prior to becoming an official. Many officials like to pay it forward to the sport for what it has given them.
26. Perfect
Officials enjoy the drive toward excellence. While knowing that perfection cannot be achieved, there is still great satisfaction in trying to achieve perfection.
27. Get Over It
In life, there are always setbacks. Officials have tremendous pressure on them to make correct decisions. Toughness is taught when we get a decision wrong and immediately drop it to get the next one right.
28. Gut Check
Officials learn how to have inner strength and self-confidence. To truly excel in officiating, one must deliver in both categories.
29. Peer Praise
Being congratulated on accomplishments by peers, whether it’s a playoff game or a state tournament game, is rewarding.
30. Challenge
Every game — no matter the venue, player abilities or teams — is a challenge. Nothing is mundane or an easy task.
31. Life Skills
Officiating teaches great life skills — helping you beyond officiating. For example, time is of the essence — no game can start when officials are late.
32. Travel
Officials travel to many different places — interesting or historic venues and towns or places people likely would never visit. It’s a great way to take in some amazing sites while you work a game.
33. High Standard
You are expected to have high character, on and off the court or field. Many enjoy living up to the demands of being an official.
34. Stress Management
No official would say the job is stress-free. Officiating — though stressful at times — also provides stress relief from our daily lives. Officials learn to balance stress through direct involvement in stressful situations.
35. Door Opener
Officials are identified and associated with the sport(s) they work. People know who the good officials are. They recognize you outside of officiating.
36. Vantage Point
It’s the game within the game — not just watching the teams or the game.
37. Goosebumps
Officiating provides goosebumps in spades. The hair-raising moments are memories that make up who we are.
38. It’s Not Coaching
Many officials have coached or considered coaching. With officiating there is only a given time parents can complain. Coaches on the other hand have parents always complaining — with no filter.
39. Beam With Pride
It’s great seeing the growth of fellow officials or your own growth. We all start out with different abilities and grow at different rates, but any improvement is special.
40. Memories
The longer you work, the more memories you will build. Some will be the great games; others the talented players. Most importantly, you’ll remember your great partners and mentors.
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Note: This article is archival in nature. Rules, interpretations, mechanics, philosophies and other information may or may not be correct for the current year.
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