Do you enjoy traveling, and calling “time-outs?” Are you accustomed to kids talking back to you, and parents becoming emotional about every decision you make? Well, if this sounds interesting, pick up a whistle and try on a zebra shirt.

This was the last year for my eighth-grade son, Brandon to play in the Auburn Recreational Basketball League. He’s been playing in the league for several years, and started volunteering as a referee for the younger divisions last year. Coached and run by parents, the league gives all participants playing time.

I’ve enjoyed watching the games over the years, and appreciate the time fellow parents have given, both coaching my son, and refereeing the games. I will admit, in the past I occasionally raised my voice briefly to “help out” the referee making a call. I thought I was being kind when I offered them my glasses. Actually, I’m quiet most of the time, just clapping and cheering on the kids.

This year I decided to give back to the league. I donned a zebra shirt and volunteered as a referee. Refs in the ARBL are not paid, and volunteer their time. Luckily for me, the parents were respectful, and most of the coaches as well. Brandon and I did have to listen to a little whining occasionally from the bench. We generally let the younger ones take a few steps before blowing the whistle. After all, the ball is half their body size.

So why volunteer anyway? Why put up with loud parents and an occasional disrespectful coach or player? Because I owe it to the league, the coaches, parents, and players. I appreciate the parents who volunteered their time working with my son. And I enjoy working these games with my son. What better way to spend your Sunday afternoon, than to have fun working a game with your child.

Do you have any experiences as a referee to share?

Tags: Auburn, ref, referee, time-outs, traveling, volunteer, zebra shirt