Tripping The Referee

Tripping the Referee

Coaching “Rec League” basketball is a blast. There isn’t any pressure beyond the time you devote to the game that day. As my kids have gotten older and their skills have improved, I have enjoyed the faster pace and quality of play.

Yet there are days when I feel that the pace of the referees could pick up a bit. They call game after game, age group upon age group, enjoying the game they love as a second job on the weekends. But I get frustrated that they miss so much because their pace seems to still be on the third- and fourth-grade level from a few hours before.

In those moments of frustration, I need to remember that even a fool is considered wise when he keeps his mouth shut. Although they’re working a second job on the weekends, these men are the authority in charge, and my team and my sons will think of them in proportion to how they see me treat them.

Authority figures are becoming increasing targets of disdain and violence in our time. From the two young high school football players who assaulted a referee by blindsiding him during a play, to videos that emerge on the Internet of parents attacking referees at peewee football games, to Jarmal Reid of the Oregon State Beavers tripping the ref in the backcourt because Reid didn’t get the call he thought he deserved, athletes, coaches, and many parents have lost regard for authority.

But Scripture calls us to honor authority. Romans 13:1 states, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Will you submit to those in authority who have been placed in their positions by God?

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

Romans 13:1