Joe White

Everyone wants to win the game. When we don’t, the officials usually get the blame.

If you think officiating is easy, grab a whistle sometime and try working a game, at any level. Fans have the best view from the stands, whereas the officials are on eye level with the players.

We know there will be contact in basketball. In less than two seconds, the official must determine who initiated the contact, was it advantageous, do I act on it with a foul, or do we play on? All this depends on the angle the official sees the contact.

How often have you seen an official change his/her call after listening to negative comments? Sure, there are calls we officials wish we had back or should have made. Just as we have good/bad days in our daily lives, sports officials have good/bad games. 

The flow of the game is critical and players must play through some bumps occasionally, as long as it does not affect the play. All officials strive for consistency on both ends of the court/playing field, and it’s up to the players to adjust to the way each game is being officiated.

As a fan, does it make us feel better grilling the officials? Are we setting a good example for others, especially the younger generation? How often do we make a fool of ourselves by venting our emotions instead of cheering for the players?

As adults, we are often judged by what we say and do. We are all human, and sometimes we let our emotions get the best of us. In all my 48 years of sports officiating, I have certainly made a few negative comments based on emotion as a fan. I have learned, over the years, that is not acceptable and have tried to be a better example for others.

The next time you attend a sporting event, please consider the above message concerning good sportsmanship. You are representing your family, school and community with your behavior.

The negative fan criticism is a big reason why we have a sports official shortage. All the older veteran officials with thick skins are slowly retiring, with very few young ones willing to take up the slack. Now you know why some of us older guys/gals keep officiating — can’t have games without officials!

(Joe White began officiating in 1974 and continues to do so today, assisting with football, cross country, basketball and track competitions across the state. A resident of Lovell, White is the area representative for the Wyoming Sports Officials Association and a member of the association’s Hall of Fame.)