I would like to take a minute to thank the fans at my freshman football game. As a 37-year official for football, I have been contemplating my retirement from the sport and hobby I love so much.
It has been difficult to think that I will not be on the field, however for many reasons I have been deciding my future.
I would like to personally thank the fans and coaches at my game for solidifying my decision. I had a fan yell many, many times that I should call the game “both ways” as if I had been favoring the competition (others yelling also). The assistant coach was also very negative, the comments from players about his comments to them were sad also. During this game I asked myself why am I doing this? I received $70 for the game, which with travel adds up to over four hours work at minimum wage.
While I will miss my interactions with players and know I will miss the funnest thing I’ve done in the past 37 years, I know that I have had enough. Week 10 will be my last game.
So once again, thank you fans and coaches for helping me make a decision.
