Every fan thinks that they can officiate better the the trained professional. That is, until you invite them out on the court or down on the field to do your job.Even as a retired referee, I find myself sometimes questioning the call. Then I remember what it was like to be on the field, without benefit of instant replay, or the commentators astute judgement. That split-second judgement made from your vantage point on the field is what it is and it has to stand !For all of you arm chair experts, I have one suggestion. Get out a referee your kids soccer match, baseball or basketball game – or officiate any youth sport ( to start with ) and realize how much you don’t really know the game.Those of you who are honest with yourselves, will either get “hooked” and continue to learn the and become a good official, or admit to yourselves how difficult it is to be the “monkey-in-the-middle” !
Every fan thinks that they can officiate better the the trained professional. That is, until you invite them out on the court or down on the field to do your job.Even as a retired referee, I find myself sometimes questioning the call. Then I remember what it was like to be on the field, without benefit of instant replay, or the commentators astute judgement. That split-second judgement made from your vantage point on the field is what it is and it has to stand !For all of you arm chair experts, I have one suggestion. Get out a referee your kids soccer match, baseball or basketball game – or officiate any youth sport ( to start with ) and realize how much you don’t really know the game.Those of you who are honest with yourselves, will either get “hooked” and continue to learn the and become a good official, or admit to yourselves how difficult it is to be the “monkey-in-the-middle” !