Officiating
One of the hobbies/avocations that has also defined my life is that of being a referee. I referee basketball, volleyball and soccer. So, I'll share a little about what it's like being a referee
My Referee Beginning
I think it was about 1975. I was one year out of high school, married and out of work. My former HS principal from Newaygo, Mr. Ed Grodus, always treated me very well. He was always firm with me and would not tolerate my crap when I was in High School. In my junior year I had missed 93 half days. In April of 1973, Mr. Grodus basically told me to take the rest of the year off and come back my senior year to graduate (like getting a soft "red card" in soccer, or ejected from a basketball game).
But he always treated me fair and when I was out of work, he encouraged me to try becoming a referee. That was 1975. Back in that day there was no "on-line" registration. I drove to the office of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, located on Trowbridge Avenue in Lansing, MI and took the basketball rules test in the lobby of the MHSAA. I don't recall what I scored, but I passed and began working junior high (middle school) games at Newaygo and then later some other schools.
One Of My Earlier Games
At that time I was not aware of referee associations that assist officials in the development of their officiating. So, it took me a while to work up. I did a lot of junior high (middle school) games. One of earlier games I recall doing was a situation in which the defense was applying a lot of pressure on the offensive. It was a trapping press. The defense was swarming the kid with the ball and in the process, one defender looked at me and asked for a time out. I granted the request (ahem.. only the offense can request time outs). Boy did I take a lot of razzing on that one.
Overview of My Officiating Career
Here a just a few notes from my officiating days - oh I still officiate
First registered with MHSAA in 1975 Basketball
Took 8 years off (1983-86; 1990-1993)
Registered for Volleyball & Baseball in 1999-2000. Dropped Baseball after 1 game. Too long!
Registered for soccer (boys/girls) in 2003-2004
Officiated a girls basketball district game with Jim Douglas. The score was 115-2. That was 11-21-2001
Had the opportunity to provide leadership for the Mid Michigan Official's Association with my friend, Harpo (Mike Cook), 1999-2006
Supervised officials for Gus Macker Tournaments 2002-2017.
Received my 30 year award from the MHSAA in May 2013.
Officiated my last soccer game in the spring of 2017. I am beginning to cut back my officiating.
Spring -2018 I have just completed my 35th year of officiating.