#AAAA – Availability

As our letter series continues, we go back to the first letter: A. We gonna have 4 of these joints.  Two this week, two the next.  Today, Availability.
Now, I would have wrote this earlier in the day, but I was unavailable.  I was too busy working on other things.  Among them were still referee related, as I was booking more talent for #THERANT, recording a podcast to add to the stash, officiating a game myself, and even watching a championship game at Hofstra University.  But I’m in front of my computer, and away I type.  

“It ain’t whatcha write, it’s the way atcha write it.” – Jack Kerouac

I have a Pro Ref mentor that always hits me with too many jewels to scrupulously count.  There was a snow day last week, Wednesday – it was a day I was supposed to have two varsity games, back to back, but all got canceled as the flakes of snow descended upon the ground.  I had time to talk to her.

I was telling her my small circle of officials all leveled up in some form or fashion – but we were unanimous, indirectly irked that we all had something that each other wanted that we didn’t have.  I did AA games in the city.  This guy had 4 playoff games in Nassau.  This other guy is already doing Junior College.  Let us drown in our success; let us commiserate our jump. CHEERS.

“Look,” The pro ref said. “Keep your circle tight of about 5 people or less.  I was the kid out of the crew.  But while they were working other jobs, or going to family functions, I’d take that opportunity and work.  WORK. WORK. WORK.” That work made her mess around and straight to the NBA track.

The Pro Ref was…AVAILABLE.  

“If you are capable, but not available, nature will raise a person with lesser ability to replace you soon.” – Isrealmore Ayivor

I felt that feeling too, especially tonight.  I sacrifice so much time away from fam, time away from other leisurely activities, because, I want to be that PRO REF myself, stat.  

As I mentioned before I attended a championship game tonight.  I did the same a year ago today, and I envisioned myself on that game.  So much so that I realized that 365 days ago, I wasn’t ready for it.  This year is now, and I envisioned myself like I once did – this time, I thought I was ready.  All that repetition and the compounding of Basketball games and other games I’ve reffed made me more than ready.  This was afforded because of my availability.

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE:

OFF THE FIELD

SOAKING IN OFFICIATING – Just because you are not working a game, doesn’t mean you can’t continually learn from a game that’s going on.  That championship game not only made me feel confident that I can service it, I had the opportunity to see 3 excellent officials do their thing.  I even stole a thing or 15, just by being available and open to watching them.

 “God doesn’t begin by asking our ability but more of our availability; when we prove out dependability that’s when he will increase our capability.”
– Neal Maxwell

ON THE CLOCK

BE AVAILABLE TO SPEAK TO COACHES – Not eingb obdurate in the heat of a game is necessary to elevate.  If coaches think you are unavailable to speak to, they will find it difficult to ever be in ebullient spirits.  Talk to the coaches – not saying to be pals – but build a rapport – make yourself available to coaches if they have a question. As long as they treat you with respect, I don’t see nothing wrong like R. Kelly. (Too soon.)

BE OPEN TO ALL OFFICIATING EXPERIENCES – Just today I texted one of my mentors in Lacrosse.  I decided to myself that I’m going to take a step back with other sports, and treat Lacrosse with the same alacrity and tenacity I have as Baseball, Flag Football, and Basketball.  I understand why I’m not as good in Lacrosse as the other sports I just mentioned.  I was never AVAILABLE.  

But now I am.  And hopefully, you will be too.  You get what you give in this game.  Play it, or not at all. 

“We can’t make up for lost time, but we can make room to share space.”
– TF Hodge

Until tomorrow- 
Ralph the Ref