50 SHADES OF GRAY

10 Year Patch

Over the last 11 years I have seen a lot of things; according to some missed a lot too. I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly; the jaw dropping, the head shaking and the eye opening. I have compiled stories and memories that can be told for Easter’s to come. I've witnessed great moments, heartbreaks, glory and the agony of defeat... 

The Takeaways: Dad’s should not coach. Coaches are few and far between. Basketball is a contact sport. Advantage/Disadvantage can not be explained to anyone with an emotional tie to the situation. No Coach, Parent, Player nor Fan understands the 3 seconds in the key rule. They too don’t understand that “Reach” and “Over the Back” are rules they made up. The Glory: The greatest compliment to an official is the notion that you didn't even know they were there. The Catch: The way to improve and succeed as an official; is to be noticed. The Conclusion: Though we wear black and white everything we do is in shades of gray.

…For 3 months out of the year I get to be a part of a community that is rarely understood by outsiders. We read from our book; we recite those words, we spend countless hours debating the minuscule of details. We gather in support; to build our community and the community. We guard the teachings of young men and women through the avenues of sport. I am a patron of this church and protector of the spirit of the rule.

THE HARDWOOD GODS