03 Nov From Military Service to Sports Official: John’s Career on the Court and Field
At 63 years old, John has found a career that keeps him active, connected to his community, and involved in two sports he loves: basketball and football.
After spending 17 years in active military service and later serving in the reserves, John discovered a new opportunity when he relocated to Orange County, California.
What began as a need for a referee at a local Boys & Girls Club turned into a rewarding career that has lasted 10 years.
Today, John officiates basketball and football games at club competitions, high schools, and community colleges. And judging by the big smile on his face when he talks about his work, he couldn’t be happier.
An Unexpected Opportunity After Military Service
John’s journey into sports officiating began after he relocated to Orange County.
He heard that a local Boys & Girls Club needed a referee and decided to apply.
That one decision introduced him to a profession he would come to love.
After getting started, John completed the necessary training and certification courses to become an official for both basketball and football.
Over time, he gained the knowledge and experience needed to officiate games at different competitive levels.
Now, 10 years later, you can find him on basketball courts and football fields, helping games run fairly and safely.
His experience shows that a new career can begin with something as simple as recognizing an opportunity in your community and deciding to pursue it.
More Than Calling Fouls and Enforcing Rules
Being a sports official involves much more than blowing a whistle or making calls.
Officials must understand the rules, pay close attention to the action, make quick decisions, and communicate clearly with players and coaches.
They also need to stay calm when emotions run high.
For John, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is having the opportunity to encourage and motivate young athletes.
He enjoys being around the players and helping create an environment where they can compete, learn, and develop their skills.
Whether he is officiating a youth basketball game or a football competition, John appreciates the opportunity to make a positive difference.
And there is another benefit he enjoys.
At 63, spending time running up and down basketball courts and moving around football fields helps him stay physically active and in shape.
Learning the Rules and Developing a Thick Skin
John has practical advice for anyone interested in becoming a basketball or football official.
He recommends starting by watching instructional videos on YouTube to learn the mechanics of officiating.
These videos can introduce beginners to positioning, hand signals, and the responsibilities of an official during a game.
From there, John suggests contacting local high school athletic organizations or officiating associations to learn about certification requirements.
He also encourages aspiring officials to attend training camps where they can study the technical rules and practice making calls.
But there is one more skill John believes is especially important.
Develop a thick skin.
Sports can bring out strong emotions in players, coaches, and spectators. Officials must be prepared to hear criticism and comments from the sidelines.
Learning to remain professional, confident, and focused is an important part of the job.
John’s advice is a reminder that good officiating requires both technical knowledge and strong people skills.
A Career That Keeps Him Smiling
After 10 years as a basketball and football official, John’s enthusiasm has not faded.
He loves being involved in sports, staying active, and encouraging young athletes.
When he shared his story, his excitement was obvious. His big smile said just as much as his words.
At 63, John is proof that discovering a new career does not have to happen early in life.
Sometimes a rewarding opportunity comes after years spent doing something completely different.
For anyone who loves sports, enjoys working with young people, and wants a career that keeps them moving, becoming a sports official may be worth exploring.
John’s journey from military service to the basketball court and football field shows how one opportunity can lead to years of meaningful work.
And for John, every game is another chance to do something he loves.
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