["Heck" on hardwood]

I AM A REFEREE

Ok, obviously there are officials out there that need work. They won't get better without it, but will not be any better in the very short term. I'll concede that, and I could cite multiple examples.

I can not and will not get into the debate between the 12th and 14th region, I truly hope that there is a lot more tounge in cheek in that descussion than I read.

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Most officials dedicate a significant amount of time to their trade. These are the guys that you see day in and day out working games. They are the guys you see at the gym on their off days and off seasons. They are the guys you see spending hundreds of dollars and taking weeks off work for summer camps. For the most part they are your communities' upstanding citizens.

One of the best officials I know, works HS, College and has been to the State Tourney 4+ times... Started because he saw his kids playing in a rec league and didn't like the officiating. He decided that he wanted to know the right way to do it.

My suggestion to all of you who've decided that simply complaining is the best way to go, is to follow his footsteps. Learn the game from the other side and then figure out if you still feel the same way.

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As for the officials that do it just for the money, you'll have a lot of trouble making it on a HS officials salary. Most officials could go work a middle school triple header or a men's league and make more money in less time than a varsity game.

Please think about it.