Over the years, watching ESPN’s Top 10 Plays of the Day was something to look forward to late at night. Now, we look forward to the “Not So Top 10.” David Letterman also made his Top 10 list famous with his comical late-night list. In the Bible, God created the original Top 10--Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20: 2-17, the Ten Commandments are given by Moses.
The 10 Commandments in the Bible were God’s instructions on how we should live our lives on earth. What would be the Ten Commandments of Officiating? As officials, we have great responsibility in our dealings with our crew mates, Supervisors, coaches, administrators, and players. What are the underlying values/commandments that help us in officiating?
10 Commandments in the Bible (Exodus 20: 2-17)
I. Thou shall have no other gods before me.II. Thou shall have no idols.
III. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain.
IV. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
V. Honor thy father and mother.
VI. Thou shall not kill.
VII. Thou shall not commit adultery.
VIII. Thou shall not steal.
IX. Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor—love your neighbor as yourself.
X. Thou shall not covet.
10 Commandments of Officiating
- Thou shall not forsake all other aspects of life for officiating. Honor faith and family by all my actions while away from my family.
Proverbs 12: 14—We are rewarded or punished for what we say and do.
- Thou shall respect and honor Supervisor(s)
Proverbs 3: 5—The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel.
III. Thou shall have knowledge of rules, mechanics and philosophies and their application.
Proverbs 8: 14—Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.
Proverbs 19: 27—If you stop learning, you will forget what you already know.
- Thou shall strive to get the call right, but not be afraid to make mistakes.
Proverbs 16: 18--First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.
- Thou shall communicate effectively.
Proverbs 21: 23—He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
- Thou shall have courage.
Proverbs 28: 1--The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
- Thou shall learn from review and critiques.
Proverbs 12: 1—Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.
Proverbs 23: 12—Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge.
- Thou shall have composure to stay grounded in my emotions and compassion to understand emotions of others.
Proverbs 20: 3—It makes you look good when you avoid a fight, only fools love to quarrel.
- Thou shall have humility to understand my role in the game.
Proverbs 18: 12—Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 27: 2—Don’t brag about yourself-let others praise you.
- Thou shall have the physical, mental, and emotional ability to work the game.
Proverbs 13: 4--Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
