Over the last years of officiating, I have spent a lot of time putting together content for YouTube through C.O.R. Academy. This endeavor has been incredibly important and fulfilling for me. However, as I immersed myself in creating educational videos and tutorials, I began to notice a shift in my focus. The time and energy I once dedicated to mentoring and fostering the development of young referees have significantly diminished.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of officiating that ensures the growth and improvement of our officiating community. Passing down knowledge, skills, and experiences to the next generation of referees is essential for maintaining the integrity and quality of the game. Recognizing this, I am now determined to recalibrate my efforts to balance content creation with active mentorship, ensuring that both endeavors receive the attention they deserve.
A huge passion of mine is developing referees and doing my absolute best to make them better than I am, advocating for them as they progress through their development and careers. The reality is that the new generation is different from the one I went to battle with, who put their lives on the line, and some even died for this country.
When dealing with new referees who believe that simply showing up and doing the minimum is enough, it can be disheartening. The sense of entitlement among some referees can overshadow those who genuinely seek to set high standards and pursue excellence.
I’ve often heard these entitled referees dismiss others who have been in the system for a long time, saying they only listen to their primary mentor for information. While having a base mentor is crucial, the officiating community is ever-expanding, and connecting with more circles provides greater opportunities for growth. It’s essential to embrace a broader network of mentors and colleagues to truly excel and improve in this field.
Taking time out of my evenings to review game film, study case plays, and invest in professional development has always been a cornerstone of my approach to officiating. This commitment to continual learning and improvement is something that has set me apart; I've been told that I'm "just built different." Unfortunately, in recent years, it feels like success in officiating has become more about who you know within the evaluator circle. As much as it pains me to admit it, this has become a cultural norm.
Some referees who have joined my circle have thrived and are now on a path that will eventually lead them to state-level officiating.
Their success is a testament to the value of hard work, dedication, and proper mentorship. However, I have also learned the hard way that the new generation of referees sometimes seeks shortcuts to advancement.
They might pretend interest and engagement in training sessions just enough to appear committed, but then fail to execute properly during games. Worse, they use my name as a reference to gain credibility.
Sometimes this strategy works because Varsity evaluators, who may not have watched the game fully, rely on my reputation. They assume that if a referee has trained with me, they must be doing the right thing.
Additionally, I've heard of referees speaking to others outside my trusted circle, using my name to bolster their credibility. This practice of "coat riding" is pervasive at all levels of officiating and undermines the integrity of our profession.
This culture is something I strongly oppose. I believe in earning one's place through genuine effort and skill, not through superficial engagement or leveraging someone else's reputation.
It is crucial for the integrity and quality of officiating that we recognize and reward true dedication and competence, ensuring that the referees who advance are genuinely prepared and capable.
As veteran referees, we must strive to do our best with the new generation. It's our responsibility to lead by example, demonstrating the values of hard work, integrity, and continuous improvement.
We need to challenge these young officials to rise to the occasion, to push beyond the bare minimum, and to truly engage in their development. Let's inspire them to be better than us, to carry the torch of excellence forward, and to uphold the standards that make our profession respected and revered.
Together, we can create a culture that values genuine effort and dedication.
By mentoring with intention, providing constructive feedback, and holding each other accountable, we can ensure that the next generation of referees is well-equipped to take on the challenges of officiating.
Let's commit to fostering an environment where excellence is the norm, and where every referee is motivated to be the best they can be. In doing so, we honor the game, uphold its integrity, and pave the way for a bright future in officiating.
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