Are You Really Ready?

Maybe I'm getting a little older and more aware of things, but people need to show up to officiate ready to work. It's no different than playing.

Officiating whatever game you have been assigned needs your complete focus from the time you leave the house to the time you leave the gym.

Showing up late due to other commitments, being preoccupied with post-game activities, or just not being there 100% mentally does a complete disservice to your partners, the teams, and the game. Also, if you are hurt, and cannot physically do your best, you're also hurting your crew, the players, and the game.

If you cannot give 100% mentally or physically for whatever reason, you should be a man and turn the game in. If you played in a game under those circumstances, you'd have your lunch handed to you. If you don't think your partners, the players, the coaches, and the paying attendees don't realize it, you are only fooling yourself.