Call It

The compliment for any ref or umpire would be to be told, "I didn't even know you were out there." Good officials know that there job is to keep the game in motion and create as little distraction or attention to themselves as possible. Despite the wave of emotions that are handed to them by the unstable fans from play to play, they must remain confident and secure in the task on the playing surface. As a baseball umpire for over 10 years, I have always said that any coach would become a better coach if they would officiate for one season.

In our Upward sports leagues our officials are volunteers. Yes they are provided training and direction specific to the league rules and purpose of our league. We strive (with continual need for improvement) to be sharp and crisp in the the way they interact with the coaches, players, and other participants. An official needs to make the call with confidence and clarity. It is their job to ensure that the game stays in motion and they make the proper calls that allow that to happen. But it is also part of their job to work with the kids on the field: to encourage and assist them in their sport development. While the coaches will have an impact on the child throughout the season, we also realize that in one moment on the field an official can motivate a child "to give it another shot, step it up, or comment on their great play or speed." Making sure your officials know their role and task is part of communicating to others that you take their child and their child's experience serious. It's another part of impacting someones life.

Great job to our officials for giving of themselves each Saturday to invest in the lives of others.

(The above model in the picture sporting our ref shirt is one I heckle and jaw with. And make no mistake about it, she throws the flag on me in a hurry)