Last Updated on 12/1/2008

Published on 7/1/2008

By R.G. Greene

rgreene@gtowntimes.com

One of the more thankless jobs in sports is that of a game official.

The workload is heavy and, unless working in the professional or elite collegiate ranks, the pay is generally low.

The only guarantee for officials is that by game's end someone is going to be upset with them. After all, while nobody remembers the correct calls, nearly everyone can recollect those that were missed.

We hear all the time these days about those in sports who have a true love for the game(s). It's a description that can at times be overused.

However, when it comes to referees and umpires - especially those below the Division I collegiate level - my belief is that it tends to hold true. Just as I would say it is for the majority of high school players and coaches, I'm not aware of many other reasons for the officials to be stepping between the lines.

It was with this in mind that I volunteered to help officiate at Carvers Bay High's summer team basketball camp last weekend. I wanted to experience firsthand part of what referees can go through.

True, without fans and minus the pressure for teams to win, duplicating an actual game experience was impossible. But even in the laid back atmosphere of the summer league it didn't take much of an effort to recognize the degree of difficulty involved.

A strong case can be made that basketball is the toughest sport to officiate. It's a game of constant motion and a split second is often all the time that is allotted to make a determination.

Yes, some calls are obvious. Things like double dribble, carrying or three-seconds in the paint can be plain to see, as are certain fouls and traveling violations.

But with the players going full speed, determining the difference between a block and a charge or whether someone took an extra half step while going to the rim can be dicey. The fact that, at any time, your view may be obscured by moving players only enhances the challenge.

On the ride over to the school, I ran thorough the various scenarios in my mind. I convinced myself that I didn't necessarily have to be the best referee on the court, I just wanted to be reasonably competent.

Admittedly, I was somewhat nervous as I walked into the gym. My 1,000-yard stare gave this away and brought quick smiles to the faces of both Carvers Bay coach Jeff Mezzatesta and Andrews coach Kevin Branham.

Once on the floor, I worked as part of a standard three-man crew. My primary responsibilities being the back and center court areas as a team brought the ball up the floor and along the perimeter after they set up in the half court.

As even casual basketball fans know, the game has gotten much more physical over the last 15 years. Like the changing strike zone in baseball that has redefined balls and strikes, what constitutes a foul today is vastly different than it used to be.

As one who came of age during the Magic Johnson-Larry Bird "no defense" era, there were times when I felt like blowing the whistle on every possession. Had I been playing, I certainly would have been appealing for some sort of call.

Of course, today's players think nothing of the increased physicality.

They've grown up facing aggressive, pressing defenses and the increased contact is expected. The way they can maintain their balance and continue on in certain situations is impressive.

Still, there were times when my 1980's sentimentalities got the best of me and I decided to make a call. This is the type of inconsistency that often draws the ire of coaches.

To them, an official can't have it both ways. Either call the game tight or allow some room for a Bruce Bowenesque style of play. Don't alternate between the two.

While I got a pass on this last weekend, I'm sure that in an actual game I would have had a conversation or two.

In the summer league though, things keep moving forward.

For players and coaches, it's not about the outcome, it's about learning and teaching.

Throughout the day, it was interesting to see coaches like Mezzatesta and Branham at work, leading their squads through various game situations and doing the things that will hopefully enable them to get a head start on the coming season.

For me, last weekend was about reconfirmation. No doubt, officiating is not easy.

So, the next time I see a blown call, I'll probably give the officials a break.

Unless it goes against my Steelers, Tar Heels or Dodgers.

Then, I'll let them have it.

Some habits, as they say, are truly hard to break.