Seeing Clearly

When we can’t see well, life is stressful. Blurred objects, squinting, fatigue, headaches … it’s easy to make mistakes, misjudging what you see. Frustration builds.  When things aren’t as clear as they should be, we need to go see an eye doctor.

During an eye exam, the optometrist conducts tests to determine how our eyes are working. The doctor will see whether you are nearsighted (close objects appear clear, but those far away are blurred) or farsighted (close objects are fuzzy but distant objects are clear.)  In both cases, our eyes do not focus images correctly. After getting corrective lenses, life is much more clear!  Blurred vision is dangerous.  We need to be in the right focus.

What about officiating?  What causes us not to see well?  I’m not talking about our actual vision.  I’m referring to whether we are seeing a play or a situation like we should. Here are things to keep in mind in order to see clearly….

1)    Focus—is our mind in the right place? Are we distracted by our surroundings or something that has happened during the week?

2)    Attention to Detail—are we looking at the right place?  Here’s an example: as a Back Judge, when a pass is thrown to the middle of the field, I focus on the catch.  I don’t look at the feet because there is no reason for me to worry about a receiver’s feet in the middle of the field.  To see the detail, we need to focus in the right place.

3)    Position—are we in the right place at the right time?  If we “miss” a call or perceived to “miss” a call, coaches, players, fans, media are much more forgiving if we are at the right place and looking in the right area.

4)    Attitude—positive emotions usually lead to positive outcomes.  What attitude are we relaying to the crew?  If we don’t have the right mind-set, attitude, before and during a game, our vision can be blurred.  Is there’s anything causing us not to have a positive attitude about our crew or the upcoming game?  If so, talk about it and get it straight before the game begins.

Proverbs 3:21
Preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.

Our emphasis in this verse is going to be on “sound judgment and discernment”.  The result of sound judgment is victory or success from having wisdom.  Discernment means assessing how and when to act, or not, under different circumstances.  This verse tells me in order to see clearly, I need to seek wisdom, sound judgment and discernment that results in SUCCESS.

The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.