The Season is Almost Here

Wait a minute, its only the end of April... basketball season just ended right? Not really. It's two months off then back to the office. Most people think basketball referees put on ugly polyester black pants, a stripe shirt, whistle and shoes, call the game and go home. NOT exactly. 
This is How it goes.Around the first week of June the basketball summer season starts. This season is full of training camps and summer basketball leagues where high school and college teams get together and are doing the same thing we are... working hard, training and learning. So, we work as much as possible as there are games to do just about every day from June 1 to the middle of July. 
Training for us involves going to camps working games and being coached by trainers from all over the country. Theses trainers or observers are the best of the best. They will be on the court and in the stands filming every move. Think of it as boot camp. Even the best go and learn or sharpen skills. 
The summer tournaments are also a great place to get better. Schools will host a weekend tournament to raise money for their team or school and the need referees. This is a great place to chat informally with coaches and players to help set the tone when the real season starts. It is real basketball but the setting is a bit casual and you can talk strategy and theory with coaches. It is also a great place to mend any situations that may have occurred during the season and make things better. 
I remember being in a situation with a coach several years ago. I called a technical foul on this coach 27 seconds into the game. That has to be some sort of record. Well, needless to say we had issues all season. When the summer season started we had an opportunity to sit down and talk about it. Since then I think we have grown to respect each other and I can tell you that coach still works hard and is very good. I think he understands that so do I. 
We work through June and July then take August off and are back at it in the fall with more training and film review. By the time November rolls along the regular season begins but we have been working all summer and fall and are ready to go.

Who Needs a Lawn Mower

This is pretty much a summer thing for Coco and only does it at "her park." She guards her two, always two, tennis balls while tearing grass.                                 

                

Do You Like Getting Booed?

For some reason usually the first question someone asks when they find out I officiate basketball is, Does it bother you getting booed all the time?" My answer; "you only get booed if you make a mistake and I don't get booed!"  A bit sarcastic I admit. I do get booed, but in truth not that often. The real answer is, no it does not bother me because most of the time if I get booed I deserve it. I just finished my 31st year of officiating basketball and it may have been my most enjoyable year ever. I love it. I love the friendship with my partners, I love how hard coaches work, I love how hard the kids play, I even love the fans (well... most of them).

It's funny listening to people talk about how bad a ref is or that they don't care if they get something wrong. Nothing is farther from the truth. I have worked over 1000 games and can tell you that you don't forget the ones you got wrong. It stays with you. It makes you work harder each and every time. Players don't make every shot they take but the good ones work hard to do the best they can. Coaches don't call the right play every time but they work hard to do so. Officials work hard to get it right. Most people think it is coaches and players vs the referee. That is not the case. WE work together to make the game we are playing the best that night. So, if you go to a game and you pay to get in, boo if you want... it's no big deal, but I have a better idea, cheer for your favorite team instead.

Meet The Family

Here we are "Vegas Style." This was our first family vacation in more than 15 years. I am not sure if we will be ready for another one for the next 15. These are the people that mean everything to me... they are the best. 

How did I get so lucky I will ever know! Well maybe I do know. You see, this picture shows more than just a family. See the Fitzgeralds sign? We stopped and had our picture taken there because it was my dads favorite place. He is the reason I am so lucky. He taught me everything and I owe my family and what I have to him. 
Here's to you dad.... thanks.

Coco and the Chicken

Kathy got three of these squeek chicken toys. We are on chicken number 2 and will be replacing with number 3 soon...don't tell Coco.

She will destroy most toys in minutes. Not her chicken. She squeaks it when she wants something... usually around 2am!!!