LAST CALL

Would You Hire You?

When the Texas high school football season came to an end, as usual, I sat and reflected. Not only did I reflect on the season my crew and I had, but I reflected on what I have seen and what I have heard from others. As I thought and reviewed film from previous games, I ran all my thoughts through the filter, “Would you hire you?”

Being honest with yourself is the first and most difficult step in this time of reflection and evaluation. I am sure I am like many officials;

when walking off the field I have a gut feeling on whether I had a good game or if I kicked a call at some point. There are plays where I was certain I nailed it only to find out through film I was wrong.

And the flip side of that is also true — I got it right when I had an uneasy feeling at the time. Only through film review can you have these moments of reinforcement of the positives and opportunities to improve mistakes.

In the state of Texas, officials are independent contractors — selected by mutual agreement of the coaches — to officiate games. This process is not without controversy; however, I truly believe coaches select crews based on the crew’s ability to adjudicate the game fairly and consistently. This brings me back to my question, “Would you hire you?”

It is easy to sit in meetings and say you put in the time to study and review film, collaborate with other officials, and do all you can do to improve your knowledge, skills and abilities. But do you?

Time and time again I have heard fellow officials criticize others for having a better schedule, getting the big game or getting more games than anyone else. Some of these questions/criticisms may be valid, but first I ask those who criticize, “Do you honestly put in as much effort as those that get the ‘best’ assignments?”

Are there crews that get games that are above their head? Yes. Eventually, these crews will be exposed and assignments will begin to reflect the amount of work put in.

The student-athletes participating in our sport put in many hours of work to prepare for the contest we are working, and we owe it to them to be just as prepared. For this to happen we must continue to not only improve on our own knowledge, skills and abilities, but we must take an active part in improving the organizations to which we belong.

We must hold the leaders of our respective groups accountable. We must elect leaders who will be proactive in promoting mentorship programs for new officials, leaders who put into action the advice they give and leaders who are passionate.

We must give feedback on whatever new official development program exists. And if one doesn’t exist, start one.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a first-year official or in your 25th year, surround yourself with officials who have traits you aspire to have. Be comfortable with the fact you will never stop learning, and keep challenging yourself in both your physical fitness as well as your knowledge of the rules and mechanics. To improve yourself and your association, you must enjoy being around the game and the people involved in the game. You must be humble and appreciate the fact there will be teachable moments throughout your career, and welcome these moments with open arms and an open mind. Be able to accept constructive criticism. Know the rules and be consistent in your judgment. You must understand the game isn’t about you — you are there to manage the game and keep it flowing.

It is my sincere hope all officials put in the effort to improve the art of officiating. I believe we are paid for more than our ability to cite or enforce a rule. We are paid for our judgment and our ability to discern when a foul rises to the level that it should be called. It is easy to be an armchair quarterback, find flaws in others and make negative comments in meetings and on social media. The tough part is putting in the effort it takes to elevate your game.

Remember, only you know truly how much time and effort you put into this worthy avocation. I ask everyone to put more effort into improving yourself, your crew and your chapter, and less into finding the fault of others. Be the mentor, be the “go-to” on rules, and be what we are supposed to be — professional. Be the official you would want to officiate your game if you were the coach and all was on the line. Scotty Allen, Kilgore, Texas, has been a high school official for 30 years and an NCAA D-II and D-III official for 14 years. He is retired from the U.S. Army and currently manages a manufacturing facility. 

Being honest with yourself is the first and most difficult step in this time of reflection and evaluation.

Do you have a personal officiating story to tell?