My Dear Fellow
Official:
As we enter the heart of another season I want to take a few minutes of your time to share my message with you and hope you consider including some of my points into your officiating resolutions for the New Year and beyond.
Pride: We should all be very proud of being a basketball official, a member of our board and a part of a great game! Refereeing for the love of the game and camaraderie with our fellow officials should be the driving force for why we officiate, not the check we get. Let’s give them 100% on the court for the right reason!
Professionalism: Arrive to games dressed appropriately, with adequate time to focus on the game and not on the non-basketball business that may be on your mind. Be sure to conduct a quality pre-game (no matter how short), and present yourself on the court in a neat (uniform) and professional manner.
Focus: The game is about the kids/ players, not about us. If we leave the gym unnoticed, then we had a great game!
Integrity: Conduct yourself in a professional and courteous manner from the time you arrive at a game site, right through your departure. Perception goes a long way and the way we speak to school/ site personnel, coaches, players, fans and our partners makes a big impact!
Enjoyment: Although it is a challenging sport to officiate and a privilege to be a part of the game, it is also important to remember to have FUN! The enjoyment of working a game with a partner, supporting each other and then spending time off the court with those that have become our friends should not be forgotten.
Patience, Work Ethic, Realistic Goals: Continue to work hard to become a better official while setting realistic goals for ourselves. Enjoy where you are at today, while setting short and long-term attainable goals. Don’t look to step over people; look to work with those that can assist and support you! Support each other, especially our newer and younger up-and-coming officials; they are our Board’s future.
I am extremely proud to be the President of the best Board in NJ; I hope you feel the same way as a member. If not, I would reflect on what you can do to improve your level of pride and ways you can increase your involvement in our Board.
I thank you for your time. Please feel free to call or e-mail me, or any of our Executive Board members, with any concerns or comments that you may have.
I wish everyone a safe and uneventful season. Happy holidays; have a safe and healthy New 2012 Year!
Jim Callano
President