BE ON GUARD

Recently, Chick-Fil-A President and COO Tim Tassopoulos spoke to his employee base on the importance of recognizing and expressing the struggles that weigh on our hearts and minds.   Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

This verse is timely for 2020 with a pandemic, political tension, economic struggle, social injustice, and civil unrest.  Tim stated in his message “This is a time, more than ever, when you and I need to guard our hearts.”  Tim shared three risks everyone should look out for when facing trying times. I feel the same application can be made to officiating today.

Risk No. 1: Burnout;  Antidote: Restoration

As officials, the pressures and obstacles we face seem greater than ever before.  The fear is, especially during the season, pressure leads to exhaustion and burnout.  How do we avoid burnout? --prioritize restoration and rest.

• Consider how we spend our time during the week.  We have to continually review, study and prepare during the week.  However, do we also take time and moments away to recharge?  Taking time to unplug keeps our heart and minds healthy.
• Restoration and recharging include more than just physical rest. Consider other ways to recharge—exercising, spending time with family, going out to eat, enjoying a hobby, worshipping.

Risk No. 2: Perfectionism;  Antidote: Humility

Chick-fil-A customers have very high expectations because of the model of quality and service the company exemplifies in every customer transaction.  As officials, we often say we have to “start perfect and get better.”  The pressure we face to get EVERYTHING right is intense.  Coaches, administrators, players and fans expect officials to be right. In addition, we are our own worst critic.  Just this week a fellow official confided to me “I’ve been beating myself up all week about a call.”  We’ve all either said or felt that way.  So, how do we handle the pressure of always getting it right? --seek excellence instead of perfectionism and practice humility.  Tim explained “perfectionism is not looking at ourselves in a healthy way, but practicing humility helps us assess ourselves appropriately. Being humble means having the confidence to acknowledge you don’t have it all figured out.”  The key word in humility’s definition is “acknowledge.”  When we can acknowledge our mistake, learn from it, and apply what we learn going forward, humility is working and helping us achieve EXCELLENCE.

Risk No. 3: Isolation;  Antidote: Connection

Officials can feel isolated.  Because of the scrutiny placed on officials and public reprimands becoming commonplace, it is easy to isolate ourselves when games and/or plays don’t go right.  As an official, how do you avoid feeling like you are on an island by yourself?  --find connection with others. Tim said, “everyone needs connection because our hearts were created for relationships.”  Burnout and perfectionism can separate us from others. None of us can or should handle the expectations of officiating alone. How do we connect and with who?

• Connect with family and friends.  Sometimes we need people outside of officiating to talk with.
• Reach out to other officials you trust.  These officials are ones that don’t always tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear.
• Deepen your relationship with God. 

“Above all else guard your heart, for everything flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23