The past week produced plenty of major stories in the professional sports world - the NFL season started, Nadal won the U.S. Open, NHL teams are getting ready for the season, Tiger wasn't very good, the baseball pennant races are heating up and of course the Riders put in an embarrassing effort in Winnipeg - but I don't want to write about that stuff especially since the red in my face from pure anger is gone and the green blood we Saskatchewan people bleed is cleaned up.
If I'm not going to ramble about that, then what is it? Something all sports have in common are officials. Some sports obviously turn to the officials more often and have them as part of the game, but every sport has rules and needs people to apply those rules.
Believe me they are at least months away from completely taking out the human element in sports officiating.
I have officiated baseball, volleyball and hockey and often people ask why I do it?
I often joke and say I wasn't good enough to play those sports on a high level so I had to try something else. In the end most officials asked will say it is the love of the sport, but the money doesn't hurt either.
This weekend is the Battlefords ref clinic and I encourage everyone interested to take part. Officiating provides a different perspective on the game and I know the few coaches who have bravely crossed over have confirmed how much different they see the game as an official.
A running joke at the clinics is that the "dirty" hockey players often make the best officials because they know how they would want to be dealt with on the ice and they know exactly what to look for.
Think about this. As a young hockey player you want as much ice time as possible to improve your skills. The rinks are often full so when do you get the bounce time to improve your skating? A better question is when do you get a chance to skate and be a part of a hockey game and get paid?
Another thought to consider is that clearly not every player who loves hockey will get a chance to play junior hockey, but there is now an official I played midget C against who is reffing the SJHL. Not bad for a fourth liner from a small town.
Like anything with the right fundamentals, good mentorship and the right attitude anyone can be a good official. Believe me I am still striving to be a good official and so far this season no one has tossed a water bottle at me. Things are looking up.
See you at the clinic Sunday.
