Whistle While You Work

 

(EDITOR'S NOTE: I began this two weeks ago so the time frame is slightly off!)

Evelyn refereed for us in practice this morning. She had a mild ankle sprain two days ago so we are taking it easy with her. She did finish second this AM in our free throw tournament, losing to Halle in the finals. (We do a short single elimination tourney most days in the spring to start practice.) Evelyn was not thrilled to be one of the officials- I was the other. I wasn't surprised at that. Most kids don't like to be the one making the calls. She had the responsibility of calling out of bounds and I made all the others; fouls, travels, jump balls. We have a few out of the ordinary rules to make the kids adapt and it can be confusing so I kept score. Evelyn is hoping and I would guess, praying, to be back as a player tomorrow! She did a good job in her debut as a striped official!

Most years, I make the kids officiate at least once. Because of COVID last March, we never reached that point with these kids. I tell them right off the bat in August they can pick one of three roles:
PLAYER  COACH  REF
They have to pick one and only one. We had a 1-1 tournament recently with the rule that any complaint about a call/non-call was an automatic forfeit. I did not have to enforce it. During the season, they do not say anything to the officials- they have to learn it's part of the game. That brings us to Theresia. 

Theresia is our student coach this year and she has been wonderful! She has indicated to me that she might like to coach so I thought it would be good to let her referee. My assistant,  Coach Watson, had a spare whistle so Theresia began her officiating career. The problem she faced was one that many face- she didn't like keeping the whistle in her mouth which makes immediate calls impossible. Plus, she did not blow it loudly the way a good official does. However, Theresia is nothing if not resourceful! Two mornings later, she returned to practice with an electronic hand held whistle, something I had never seen! It made her a better referee plus she let me use it! I found it easy to use and raved about it so..... Theresia bought me one on AMAZON, an updated version that also can act as a flashlight! Needless to say, I'm all about my new toy and I have to admit, I've shown it off! The next thing I have to do is learn how to recharge it but you know me, Mr. Tech!

My new whistle immediately solved one coaching dilemma. It is nearly impossible to coach with a whistle in your mouth. No problem now- no clenched teeth on metal to get in the way of dispensing basketball wisdom and keeping order in live situation drills concurrently! But another problem reared its ugly head. You see, in our half court live competitions, the  ball has to come back to me with each change of possession meaning I am a passer AND catcher. However, with the electronic whistle in hand, that dual role becomes almost impossible. The funny thing is, I never thought of that issue before the first time I served in that capacity electronically. I'll figure it out!

Do you know what makes a good referee? Knowledge of the rules is very important as is keeping an even temper. I think the number one rule, and you might think this is too simple, is blowing the whistle. Blow it quickly and blow it loudly, but blow it. Players at all levels respect an official who is in charge and the best way to display it is decisiveness. Decisiveness stems from confidence. Referees and umpires are indispensable in any sort of organized sport but it's getting harder and harder to find people who want to be involved. Officials in any sport, at the most basic level, simply settle constant disputes that can arise about boundaries, fouling, equipment, territoriality, etc. I bring all this up when I teach my 8th and 11th grade classes about the Parable of the Rich Fool. A man comes and interrupts Jesus, wanting Him to be the executor of the family will. The Savior seems none too pleased, asking the guy who made Him the judge/arbiter. I tell the kids that really means a referee, an outsider who makes decisions that others agree to live by. I've been a licensed official although I didn't call many games. I know this; half the crowd tends to think you are against them. (I've also discovered it is much easier to call a game from the stands or in front of the television but I digress.) 

But there is a judgment coming for us all. There won't be any instant replays or referee huddles to make sure the call was accurate. There won't be any mistakes and no do-overs. There will be a loud signal but it won't come from a whistle, old fashioned or electronic. The rejoicing won't be over a ball game or tournament but over our eternal fate. The girls filled out brackets when the NCAA mens' and womens' tournaments began and the winners will get gift cards! That is small compensation. When some missionaries returned to Jesus, exulting that they cast out demons, the Christ chided them a bit, telling them they should rejoice that their names were written in heaven. Human error factors into officiating of every basketball game but not on that day when He returns. Losing a bracket is no big deal; losing my soul is the biggest deal. The choice is mine and yours to make. On that day, my favorite whistle won't factor into anything.

Applicable quote of the day:
Referees need help. Players are getting faster and fitter and too many referees are making decisions from behind the play. They see a tangle of legs, they are asked to make a decision with one, often obscured look at high speed. 
Andy Townsend

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at shawley@westburychristian.org