5 Things a Referee Can Teach You About Life

1. Relationships matter -

explanation: The greatest "circle of friends" I have is referees. All of my great friends are referees, and when I am old and in a rocking chair, whittling some wood, and gumming the few teeth left in my mouth, I will remember the camaraderie of the guys I worked hockey with.

Treat those relationships special. I found an interesting study online recently that looked into the saying, "Money can't buy you happiness." The researchers tried to assess if that was true and whether or not there was something out there that did, indeed, create consistent happiness. Results? They found that money doesn't buy happiness, and the greatest correlation they could find between anything was the number of times you meet with friends and family. So...if you want more happiness in your life...break bread with family and friend more often! Because relationships matter.

2. Do you deal with problems or challenges?

explanation: Semantics? Word-smithing? Play on words? Or attitude?

The great ones love a challenge. Do you love a challenge? Challenges are things to overcome. Problems on the other hand...

The best officials handle difficult situations in hockey games differently than the average ones. When things blow out of proportion (like this situation) the best ones rise above the situation and act in a cool, calm, and commanding fashion. It's a challenge, not a problem. The average ones? They get all bent out of shape, get frazzled, and handle the situation poorly. The difference may be due to experience, but it may have a larger part to do with attitude.

3. From the results of failure come the seeds of greatness -

explanation: In business, life, and hockey, the best ones are willing to experiment, take risks, and if they encounter a setback they learn from it. I have heard this being called, "failing forward fast."

The opposite is the guy who doesn't want to make any type of mistake and he does his best to not stick out. To me, this is the number one reason referees who don't like to call penalties act the way they do -- it's better to "remain on the couch and do nothing versus getting up and risking the chance of falling down." Sitting on the couch can be mastered by just about everyone.

Lastly, on of the best sayings I have heard about judgment goes like this -- "Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment."

4. To the swift go the spoils -

explanation: See the "remaining on the couch" line in the previous explanation. The same could be said about "the entitlement age." I can guarantee you that every official you see working the highest levels of hockey DID NOT have it handed to them on a silver platter. They went out and worked for it. They paid their dues by working whatever games necessary to get where they belong. They did not look for it to be handed to them. They are all "go-getters." You want some? GO GET IT.

5. Strength is in the team -

explanation: There are a number of character traits that are rewarded in the hockey arena and in the business world, among those: problem solving, creativity, hard work, perseverance, and independence. However, that independence thing is the tricky part.

Businesses and associations want self-starters, people who can work without having to be baby-sat. At the same time, the leaders who are looking for great people want TEAM PLAYERS.

Ever played a sport and/or game with someone who is NOT a team player? I remember my high school hockey team had a player who was extremely talented, but was also extremely selfish. I think he hurt the team more than he helped the team.

Do you have any experiences with selfish players or poor team players?