What I've learned in the last 100 posts
I started this in June, thinking something like, "What the heck. I like the write, I like the vent, I like to say things that I'd get in trouble for if I said it publicly," but I didn't think it would be much more than a lark. While I haven't written every day, I think I've been pretty consistent (much moreso than when I ref!) in getting 3-4 entries in a week, and not only did I get my jollies doing the three things I mentioned above, I think it's helped me visualize myself better, helped my own self-evaluations, helped me get over the bad situaations and problems that are part of the job, and basically made me a happier person and referee.One thing I don't want to do is gaze at my philosophical navel, so I thought I'd create a short list of things I've learned since starting RefBlog.
* I've learned to be better at talking to boys at games, and how to do it proactively; although the same comments don't work as well with men (and maybe nothing does).
* I've learned that girls and women would rather you be mute: blow the whistle, show the cards, if you have to speak, leave it at one sentance - if they want more, they'll ask you. Assuming otherwise is playing with fire.
* I've learned that you play women's games wide all the way to touch, and men's games more narrow; and because of that, more often than not, you run more in women's games and sprint more in men's.
* I've learned I need to improve my running ability.
* I had my first "real" 4th official assignment, and learned when the coach goes too far and needs to be asked to be quiet.
* I've learned that you really don't want to do the same team twice in a row, especially if there's a controversial call, even if you didn't make it.
* I've learned that if you call 911 on your cell phone, but the situation clears up and you hang up before the call is picked up, the State Patrol will call you anyway .
* I've learned that the higher you move up in the refereeing ranks, the more crap you're supposed to take.
* I've learned a saying I wish coaches, players, and fans should know: "Referees train, but they cannot practice."
* I learned to better use my assitants when I'm in the middle, and to better communicate when on the line.
* I learned to use my own pre-game, although it's still not as long as Gil Weber's.
* I learned to go over game situations during half-time rather than just shooting the breeze.
* I learned to look at the center referee before making a call from the line.
* I learned to smile and encourage my assistants when the crowd is complaining.
* I learned the value of a warm-up prior to the game's start.
* I learned that, even if I screw up, it's not the end of the world, for them or for me.
* I learned that If they want perfection I'll never make them happy, so just do what I need to in order to keep me happy.
* I learned that referees can try to prevent misconduct, but ultimately it's the perps that are responsible for their own actions.
* I learned that sometimes people go into games thinking, "I want a red card." (Yes, players have told me this)
* I learned that while I'm far from a perfect referee, I do a good job out there, and as long as I still enjoy the game, my job in it, and keep trying to improve myself, I'll be fine.
* I learned that I want to do this for a fourth year.