Tips From an HS Legend

Steve Simonson from Cashmere is one of the best high school officials in Washington, and has been for many years. He consistently works State Championship games, and is also one of the best speakers you will ever get a chance to listen to. He also works tirelessly to help other officials improve, from performing clinics around Eastern Washington for the WIAA to observing at camps. A Hall-Of-Famer to be for the WIAA, Steve has a few great tips for what makes an official great, and what makes an official not so great. They're pretty simple, but then again small amounts of gold are worth a lot:

• Successful officials work to improve every time they work.
• They are professional in all they do and show a respect for the game.
• We are in the people business. We must resharpen our people skills.
• Poor officials are better than the game; they act abrasively and arrogantly.
• Poor officials never admit a mistake and try to cover them up. Coaches know when you are lying.
• Poor officials don't understand the concept of team. We have to have the BEST TEAM on the floor.