Ownership

Used as a verb, the word “ownership” is defined as proactive in solving problems, taking responsibility for outcomes, and learning from mistakes and success. The level of ownership a person partakes can typically be categorized as follows:

·         Category 1: Reports and/or vocalizes a problem but that’s the extent.

·         Category 2: Reports and/or vocalizes a problem and offers potential solutions or ideas.

·         Category 3: Reports and/or vocalizes a problem after taking action to solve the problem to the best of their ability.

·         Category 4: Leads proactively to prevent or limit problems from occurring.

What category of ownership do you exhibit in your everyday life with relationships and work? In officiating, what category of ownership do you take with your assignments and with your crew? In crew meetings, do you actively participate by seeking information and offering solutions? During pregame warm-ups, do you check the boundaries to make sure objects are clear? During the game, do you check the down box each down to make sure it is in the right position and down? After the game, do you offer information on a foul that would have been useful during the game? After reviewing the evaluation, what ownership do you take? Do you reach categories 3 and 4 to proactively realize the problem, take action to resolve, and then implement processes to improve going forward?

Wayne Gretsky, one of the greatest professional hockey players, had this philosophy as it pertains to ownership: “Most players skate to where the puck is. I skate to where it is going to be.” The point is Gretsky didn’t just skate towards the problem. He recognized and identified what was needed (the puck) and anticipated what was needed to be done (where the puck was going).

When life is not going our way, we often seek to place blame on someone or something and usually not ourselves. In the Bible, Job’s wife blamed God for the hardships that fell on them and even tried to convince her husband to curse God (Job 2:9--Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold firm your integrity? Curse God and die!”). Job lost all his property, his children died, and he suffered physically. But Job was faithful and continued to praise God through all the trials. Because of Job’s steadfastness and ownership, God restored Job to an even greater extent than before all his troubles and hardship.

“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10, ESV)

God expects us to take ownership for our actions instead of refusing to take responsibility and blaming others for our problems or mistakes. Extreme ownership is not pawning off blame and troubles on others but identifying potential problems and striving to resolve them before they manifest.

So, what does a person with “category 4” ownership look like: personally accountable, trustworthy, upholds his or her word, reliable, learns from mistakes, proactively looks for resolutions, and sacrifices for the good of others.

“Responsibility equals accountability equals ownership. And a sense of ownership is the most powerful weapon a team or organization can have.” – Pat Summitt, college basketball player and head coach for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols

Are We Glad?

 John “Gucci” Foley, former lead pilot for the Blue Angels, has a tag line he uses at the end of his messages—“Glad to Be Here”.  Foley explains this saying reminds him to give joyful effort and to be generous. Think about that--how often are we joyful in our efforts? In good times, joy is easy. In bad times, having a spirit of joy is tough.

Most people become officials as a way to continue to be part of the game. As I started my journey in officiating, I recall the joy (and nervousness) of being part of the game and being part of a group of officials. However, for various reasons, the joy can fade and often, quickly.  Why? Fans, coaches, studying, learning, and applying the rules appropriately, family issues can result in stress and unhappiness. How do we continue to be “Glad”?

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 ESV)

This Psalm was thought to be written after David defeated the Philistines and was now King of Israel. Before becoming king, David faced many challenges from hiding for his life from King Saul to killing a giant. Now, David could rejoice because of God’s provision—he was King.  Psalm 118 was written for the special occasion of David becoming king. Even through the difficult days and times David faced before becoming King, it was time to reflect and rejoice.

Are we expected to rejoice in everything? In officiating, what if we make a wrong call, have a bad evaluation, or get sick or injured and can’t work?  Where’s the joy in that?  When times are tough, focus from a perspective of what God has provided. Remember the things that make us happy in life and officiating—our family, being part of the game, working with others.  Know what brings joy and focus on that when times are tough. Don’t be too hard on ourselves for not rejoicing when we face challenges. But, when we are able to rejoice and be glad, we can celebrate like David did when he became king.

Brave men and women rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war.

Glad to Be Here

Listen Fully

Recently, our crew watched video concerning listening by John “Gucci” Foley, speaker and motivator for elite teams.  He explained 4 ways we listen:

1)      Don’t listen

2)      Listen to Respond

3)      Listen to Understand

4)      Listen to Appreciate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWW-Vk5d-74

As Foley pointed out in his video, we want to stay away from the first two—not listening and listening to respond in order to get to the two higher levels—listen to understand and listen to appreciate. Listening to understand is really trying to feel what someone is telling you. Foley further explained that listening to appreciate takes listening to understand and bottles it with appreciating and recognizing fully what someone is telling you.

Specifically, in officiating, ask yourself where do I land with these 4 ways to listen? In crew meetings, are we distracted and not listening or are we fully engaged to understand and appreciate what our crewmates are saying and how they feel? When coaches speak to us, are we thinking of how to respond only? When players give us information about potentially being fouled, do we ignore and not listen or do we understand and appreciate?

To achieve the level of listening to appreciate and understand, we need to emulate James 1:19: “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters, you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” 

• Be quick to listen: Listen to understand and appreciate, not just to respond.  
• Be slow to speak: Don’t speak right away; think about your response and do it with respect. 
• Be slow to anger: Control your emotions; in doing so, we have a greater chance to earn the respect of those speaking to us.

In summary, James 1: 19 provides a framework for listening. Hear the heart and perspective of a person speaking without judging or making assumptions. The key ingredient for listening is a spirit of humility. What does listening with humility look like in officiating? When coaches, players, and/or fans are yelling at and refusing to hear our input, we must choose to listen first.

In his FCA devotional, Richard Isaiah-FCA Division Vice President, used the old adage that “God gave us two ears and one mouth; therefore, we should listen twice as much as we talk.” This saying makes the point that we should strive to hear from others before they hear from us. Proverbs 18:2 provides insight of those who desire to speak more than to listen: “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.”

Consider this prayer when striving to listen to appreciate:

“Father, as I seek to grow and learn from others, give me a heart that desires to learn, ears to listen, and bridle my tongue to speak as You lead me to speak so that I don’t become angry without cause. Thank You, Father, for always listening to me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.” Richard Isaiah

https://fcaresources.com/devotional/hope-and-healing-principle-listening

Cruise Ship vs Battleship Mentality

As a passenger on a cruise ship, the mindset is “serve me.” Cruise ships exist to provide pleasure and entertainment. When reviewing a good cruise ship, here are questions to evaluate:

1. Is the service good?                                        4. Are my needs met promptly?
2. Do I like the music and entertainment?          5. Am I comfortable?
3. Am I well fed?                       

If you look again at those questions, notice the focus is on self. Another type of ship--a battleship--is designed to serve the nation it represents, not self . Here are questions for those serving on a battleship to consider:

1. Is the ship on a clear and noble mission?
2. Is the ship able to endure storms?
3. Does the crew have proper training and experience and are equipped to succeed?
4. Does the crew cooperate with the captain, leaders, and crew members?
5. Are the crew members taught to be disciplined and vigilant?
6. Are crew members at their posts (i.e. are responsibilities understood)?
7. Does the ship have adequate first aid and medical help?
8. Is the crew properly able to distinguish lesser threats from greater ones?

Those on a battleship say, “We’re preparing for war,” but those on a cruise ship say, “We’re on vacation.” Team members on a battleship think, “It’s all about the mission and the crew,” while passengers on a cruise ship think, “It’s all about me.” The battleship mentality is, “I am part of the crew,” while the cruise ship mindset is, “I must be served by the crew.”

As an officiating crew, our mindset has to be that of a battleship not a cruise ship. We prepare for battle (i.e. physical requirements of a game, tough penalty enforcements, communication with coaches and players), not focusing on self. We serve the crew, not self. We take care of our responsibilities to serve the crew, not just our own individual needs. Listed below are specific ways we can emulate those going to battle:

·         Be dedicated--prepare individually but with the crew in mind (video review, rules study)

·         Be durable—don’t be easily discouraged (bounce back from a tough evaluation)

·         Be focused—don’t be easily distracted (don’t allow coaches/fans’ opinions influence our next call)

·         Be delightful---think crew vs self in all decisions (clean your locker, straighten the conference room)

The cruise ship mindset is one of ease. The battleship mindset is one of urgency. Just as soldiers are diligent at their post, vigilant as watchmen, loyal to their cause, fight to win, and steadfast at all times, officiating crews should mirror those same traits to be ready for each game.

Psalm 18:39 ESV: For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. In this verse, King David acknowledges God as the source of his abilities and success and reflects how God's strength helped him win battles against powerful enemies. David credits God with rewarding his obedience by making him a successful military leader. God provides the strength needed for victory.

A cruise ship coddles and pampers. A battleship stands and delivers.

Credits:

https://blog.adw.org/2018/05/church-cruise-ship-battleship/

https://www.idisciple.org/articles/christianity-is-a-battleship-not-a-cruise-ship/

Even Better

Tom Brady is one of those football players people either love or love to hate. One thing that no one can deny, he is one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL. Consider the following stats:

Ø  Most NFL Championships: 7

Ø  Most Super Bowl MVP: 5

Ø  Most Valuable Player awards: 3

Ø  Only player to win the Super Bowl with AFC and NFC teams

Ø  For his career stats, during his last two seasons:

o   Most pass completions

o   Most yards thrown

o   Highest pass completion percentage

o   Year before his retirement, 2^nd most passing TDs

Considering all these achievements, who would have thought a 6th round draft pick (199 overall) would have accomplished all he did in his career? Even without personally knowing Tom Brady, one thing you can gather from his career, he used his talents and abilities to get better over his career, until the very end.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul was teaching and encouraging the churches that we have purpose, talents, and gifts to use. In 1 Corinthians 12: 31, Paul encourages us to “desire the best” and seek to be better using our talents and abilities. Examples of the gifts are wisdom, knowledge, faith, and spiritual discernment and were to help with the functioning of the church. Paul wanted believers to pursue to be better while achieving even more excellence.

1 Corinthians 12: 31: “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I will show you a more excellent way.” (NKJV).

Similar to what Paul was teaching concerning Spiritual gifts, as Officials each of us brings something different and unique to the crew. Here are a few examples: proper communication with coaches, players, and officials; calmness; rules knowledge; common sense; relationship building; organization; and comic relief.

As we bring our talents and abilities to the crew, we should strive for still a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12: 31 challenges us to “desire the best” and seek to be better. In the pursuit to be better, we will achieve even more excellence. Looking back at the career of Tom Brady, he achieved excellence by desiring to be the best all the way to the end of his career. Our challenge is to do the same. Even with the officiating talents and abilities we have, seek ways to improve communication, to strengthen our crew chemistry, to be leaders in our position, and to prepare for each assignment.

Let’s desire a more excellent way.

 “I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” -Abraham Lincoln

 

Easy vs Hard

In general, when faced with the choice between easy or hard, most people pick easy even without knowing what the task is. But in life, easier is not always better. Consider the following things in life we face or do and the difference between easy and hard.

In life,

Criticizing is easy…Contributing is difficult.

Complaining is easy…Finding a solution is difficult.

Judging is easy...Listening is difficult.

Pointing fingers is easy…Leading is difficult.

Being offended is easy…Being unoffendable is difficult.

Bonnie Sala, President & CEO of Guidelines International Ministries, states the Bible illustrates we were made to struggle and to become better through difficulties.

Matthew 7:14: For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life; those who find it are few.

Romans 5: 3-4: Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

Humans are made to do hard things because out of failures and struggles, we grow. In Matthew 7:14, Jesus teaches that the way to abundant life is thru the narrow gate which is hard and very few do the difficult work. Jesus then teaches in Romans 5 that we can stand tall in our difficulties because of what is produced—perseverance, character, and hope.

Officiating is hard. Because of how difficult it is, very few people try to officiate. Then, to do it well there are struggles, sufferings, and frustrations such as learning rules and mechanics, making the wrong calls, and not getting the assignments we think we deserve. But, when officials persevere, it is rewarding emotionally, mentally, and physically to know we are part of a game so many people enjoy. Now, let’s look at easy verses hard in officiating.

In officiating,

Criticizing other officials is easy…Being critical of yourself is difficult.

Disagreeing with assignments is easy…Officiating any game assigned is difficult.

Dismissing evaluation is easy…Learning from evaluation is difficult.

Accusing others for your mistake is easy…Owning your actions is difficult.

Worrying what supervisors and coaches think is easy…working the next play is difficult.

Do difficult work!

“Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.”
― Alex Harris, Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations

Thermostat or Thermometer

Thermostats set temperature, whereas thermometers measure temperature. Even though both thermostats and thermometers deal in monitoring temperature, they are used in very different ways.

During the COVID pandemic, one of the common tests to measure body temperature involved using a thermometer. If your body temperature was elevated above the normal 98.8 degrees, you were “running a fever” --one of the signs of a potential virus.  The thermometer provides vital information concerning one’s health by measuring the temperature.

A thermostat, on the other hand, helps regulate the temperature. When the weather changes, we use the thermostat connected to our central air and heat unit to regulate the temperature in our home. The thermostat is critical to helping us change the temperature to be comfortable. It helps us to be more proactive in controlling a desired temperature.

In life, there are times we need to be a thermometer and times we need to be a thermostat. As a thermometer, we observe what others are thinking, what they are saying, and how they are reacting. We gauge the temperature of our surroundings. As a thermostat, though, we regulate the temperature. When the temperature is rising around us, we can be the thermometer to have positive influence.

When we feel tension from players and coaches, we need to be able to measure the degree to which the “temperature” is rising. Then, we need to be the thermostat that regulates the temperature and comfortably handles the situation. How do we use our thermostat to influence the temperature around us? (1) listen intently to coaches and crewmates, (2) use positive verbal and non-verbal language when communicating, (3) be understanding in difficult situations, and (4) display good character by doing the right thing at the right time.

Paul encouraged “son in faith” Timothy with these words in I Timothy 4:12, Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.  Paul challenged Timothy to be a thermostat by being the example.  Paul wanted Timothy to influence and impact the world and not let the world set the temperature in his life.  The world around us often sets the temperature and we simply fit in, fly under the radar, and go with the ups and downs of life. We merely live by the temperature set for us by others in our culture.  The challenge is for us to set the temperature.  How do we do that? Romans 12: 2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.

Under Control

The weather forecast shows a 90% chance of snow with a low of 25 degrees. Road conditions are expected to be hazardous and local authorities are asking people to stay home and avoid traveling if possible. In that scenario, what is out of and under our control? Weather conditions are out of our control.  If it snows, it snows. The low temperatures are out of our control, and we can’t control the road conditions.  In these conditions, what are things within our control: (1) staying home and turning up the heat or starting a fire to keep warm, (2) if we go outside, wearing proper clothing, and (3) if we have to travel, wait for road maintenance to clear the road or expect to move very slowly.

In officiating, many things are out of control such as our schedule, game time, player and coach reactions, and fans. Even though these particular items are out of our control, many officials spend a great deal of time over-thinking and worry about how we are impacted by them.  How do we move or maintain our focus on what we can control?

The first question is “what can we control as officials?”  Let’s make it simple and call it a “PR”—Preparation and Response.  Let’s examine “PR” closer.

Preparation: we can control our preparation for each season, each game, and each play. Preparation encompasses being physically, mentally, and emotionally ready.  It also includes taking care of our responsibilities off the field with our families and job enabling us to be prepared for our officiating responsibilities.  Robert H. Schuller, TV Evangelist, quoted in one of his sermons “Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” Preparation is often not fun and can even be boring. But, the result of being prepared is rewarding.

Response: We don’t control the responses of others—coaches, players and fans.  However, we have total control over our response. Our goal should be for our response to be clear and calm. When coaches ask for explanations, provide clear and concise responses. When coaches are out of control, we need to stay calm with limited body motions and facial expressions along with a calm, but stern voice.

Luke 6: 45:  A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

This verse is from a sermon Jesus was giving to a crowd that gathered around him. His teaching emphasized the importance of a person’s inner thoughts and the relationship to outward behavior.  Jesus’ preaching highlights the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We are reminded that what is inside of us will eventually come out in our words and deeds.

When we control our thoughts, outward appearance, reactions, and speech, we are better prepared to respond to the things that happen around and to us.

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.”
― Steve Maraboli

What, How, Why

In the mid-1990’s, a youth minister in Michigan started a friendship bracelet with the letter’s “WWJD” standing for What Would Jesus Do? The primary premise of wearing the bracelet was to be a constant to reminder of the Biblical and moral decisions we are faced with each day.

Fast forward years later, Simon Sinek —inspirational speaker and author of 5 books— introduced WHW, in his 2009 Ted Talk “How great leaders inspire action.” In this popular Ted Talk will millions of views, Sinek explained the components of what he called the golden circle as follows:

·         Every company knows what they do.

·         Some companies know how to do it well.

·         But very few companies know why they do it.

Simon further noted to get someone to believe in you and your product, you must know your why.

As officials, what does “WHW” look like.

·         What do we do as an official? We are called to manage the game within the rules and philosophies set forth by the governing body.

·         How do we perform as an official? Each game, we are to be mentally, emotionally, and physically ready. Do we take care of our pregame responsibilities? During the game, are we able to be in the right position, properly apply the rules and philosophies, and effectively communicate with crewmates, players, coaches, and administrators?

·         Why do we choose to be an official? No matter the level of the game, are we officiating for the right or wrong reasons? Let’s look at the “why” closer.

Personally, as I think about my “why,” officiating was my “in” to be a part of sports I enjoyed so much as child and teen. Being an official, I have been lucky enough to grow by rules study, film review, working numerous games, and being mentored by other officials. But my “why” still stays the same—to be a part of sports. If our “why” is for the wrong reason, officiating can be more challenging than it already is. Over the years, I have heard reasons not to officiate such as “not enough money,” “don’t want to deal with coaches,” “fans are out of control, “takes up too much time,” etc. Even though these are legitimate reasons, I believe they should not be considered when deciding whether to officiate. The “why” should be focused on how we want to improve personally and the game through officiating. The “why” should be our passion for the game and our possible influence on others around us. 

Psalm 90:17: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

In this prayer, Moses asks God to work on behalf of His children and prosper all the work thy did for God’s glory and power to be on display. Moses asked for God's favor would be on His people and the things they did in order for their work to be successful.

As officials, let’s make this our “why”—our work and efforts be for God’s glory and power to be on display.

"Those who are growing great are always asking why? If they fail or lose, they ask why? If they succeed or win too, they ask why?"

Your Benefits

In Kevin Paul Scott’s article “Features vs. Benefits,” Kevin explains in one of his first jobs he sold Tempur-Pedic mattresses. When he first tried to sale the mattress, he would highlight how the mattress foam was originally designed for NASA, provided pressure relief, and prevented motion transfer. Even though these “features” were true, it didn’t help sell many mattresses. What was his flaw in his presentation? He was focusing on Features and not Benefits. He then started explaining the mattress would help you sleep better, relieve join pressure on joints and allow you to wake up more refreshed. The key was to focus on benefits more than features. In other words, as Kevin explains in the article, he isn’t selling the features of his product, he is selling the benefits.

Officials have features. I think of features as “what is an official or crew suppose to look like?”

·         Appropriate, clean, and proper fitting uniform

·         Understanding and knowledge of the rules

·         Be a good crewmate

·         Communicates with others

·         Calm demeanor

Now compare the expected  features of an official to the benefits they should bring to the sport. When a coach or administrator sees you walk into the stadium, what will the coach say is the benefit of you being in the game?

·         Looks good in the uniform and physically fit to be in the right position

·         Solid rules knowledge and understands how to apply the rules in all situations

·         Works well with other crewmates and brings the best out in others

·         Communicates well to coaches and able to explain rules and situations

·         Can control emotions and remain calm under pressure

Matthew 5: 13: ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

According to Dictionary.com, salt of the earth means “an individual or group considered as representative of the best or noblest elements of society.” Matthew 5:13 is part of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. During Jesus’ day, salt had two purposes—preserving food and enhancing flavor. Jesus was challenging the crowd gathered to hear the sermon to “persevere” His teachings as well as “enhancing” it by spreading His teachings to others. As officials, let’s challenge ourselves to both preserve the integrity of the game and enhance the game by being a benefit not just a feature.

Do you offer just features? Or, what is your benefit and how do you benefit others?