Pathetic...That's what I thought about the attitude of the two guys I was working with yesterday. I was working a game in the MJHL. It was a Sunday game and there were maybe 100 people at the game. (note: the Bantam A game between Bloomington Jefferson and Minnetonka before had a larger attendence)
My partners did not want to be there...
Made me ask a few questions:
Q: Why did you take the game in the first place? (btw, these are all rhetorical questions)
A: They wouldn't dream of turning down a game assignment, because they want to do whatever it takes to work a USHL game (well...they almost want to do whatever...they'll take whatever game assignment comes along, but they won't use the opportunity to work on their skill...they'd rather 'phone it in'.)
Q: What makes you so good that you are above this game?:
A: They'd rather complain about the assignment, about having the poor, unfortunate opportunity to work Jr. hockey in Minnesota, than look at themself in the mirror, bust their butt, and do something for the love of the game. Of all the officials I have known throughout the years, I have know a fair amount who have thought they were above the game -- and NOT one of them was ever an elite level official.
Q: (this is the question they asked me, when they heard I was going to Japan to work my 5th international assignment for USA Hockey) -- How do you get chosen to do that?
A: Not doing what you're doing...complaining, half-heartedly working, going through the motions. You see, I got these opportunities because I was worked hard, put myself into places where I would get noticed and recognition, and had some luck along the way.
To further prove my point, I want to reflect on the games I worked with past weekend:
Friday - NAHL game at Albert Lea -- Referee was young, ambitious, works his butt off, I've never heard him complain...AND...SUPRISE...gets the quality Jr. hockey games that everyone wants. The linesman was young, energetic, hard worker, looking to be the best he can be, and has had a good first year in Jr. hockey!
Saturday - High School JV and Varsity at Richfield - My JV partner and the linesman in the varsity game worked hard, was enthusiastic, was there to do the best he could, gave his best effort...AND...SUPRISE...has been rewarded for his efforts this year with some good high school games for being a first year guy. The referee in the varsity game worked hard, did his best, was happy to be working with me, and did a great job...AND...SUPRISE...is working the Boy's State HS Tournament this year.
MJHL at Hudson - Referee is a first year guy, works hard, cares about his performance, and is happy just to be working Jr. hockey full time. The other linesman was somewhat into it, did a good job (not a great job), worked about 95% of the time...AND...hasn't really gotten the opportunities he thought he should get yet. That's because he's not in the 5% club...gotta work a lot harder to get and STAY in that club.
Sunday - MJHL at Bloomington - both partners didn't want to be there, worked pretty hard, complained between periods, whined about the players' behavior, complained about their games earlier in the weekend...AND...NO SUPRISE HERE...are wondering when they are going to get their turn to work the big games, like the USHL.
Keep wondering...I'll keep looking for the guys who have pride in their work, attitude, and bring "it" to the arena every time.
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