Leadership lessons from referees
While sitting at a basketball game the other night, I started to think about lessons every leader can learn from referees.
1.) Referees in Georgia are given delegated authority and sent by the Georgia High School Association. A person cannot just show up at a game and expect to officiate because he thinks he can. Whether leading in church or in corporate America the leader must know that they have the backing and approval of whoever sent them.
2.) Referees have to spend adequate time getting to know the rule book personally and intimately. Calls made during the game cannot be born of personal opinion or belief. The referees private time with the rule book determines their public success on the court. For the Christian leader the rule book is the BIBLE.
3.) Referees must posess an even-tempered personality. The referee must keep their emotions in check while everyone around them is losing theirs. Coaches, players and fans can be very passionate about winning. The referee must maintain order and not allow the action to get out of control.
4.) Referees know that criticism is just a part of the game. Every call that a referee makes there will be some who will cheer with delight and others who will complain with disgust. Rest assured that not everyone will agree with every decision that you make as a leader. If you cannot accept this fact get out before the game begins.
5.)When making a call the referee must remain unbiased and not show partiality to any particular team. Calls can never be personal.
6.) Referees don’t attempt to call games by themselves. Their is always a team of referees that are calling the game together. Leaders get into trouble when they become isolated from the advice and counsel of other leaders. The first thing Jesus did when starting His ministry was form a team.
7.) With that being said, there is always one particular referee who has the final say so. Most organizations have too many Chiefs and not enough Indians. Leaders must know their place and become comfortable being in that position.
8.) The referee must have the courage to call a technical if a coach or player gets out of line or steps over the line of what is permitted. Sometimes if an offense call for it a player or coach can be ejected from the game. This is a reminder to leaders that the games is always bigger than any person regardless of who that individual is.
high school hoops
Tonight, the family and I went to a Douglas County Basketball game. It was way cool just hanging with no schedules, deadlines or sermon series to do. We have several young ladies from DWC who play on their team. Much love to all of our students at all of our schools but this one just happens to be around the corner from where we live. Shout out to Krystal, her sister Kristina, and Christian. All of them had a great game.
I’m almost ashamed to talk about our eating at the game. Two popcornbags for Chrissy and Destin; Hot dog for me; Lemon peppered wings for Kim; French fries for everybody and a sprite that we all drank from. LOL!!! Got to support the booster club 
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Been sitting next to Orlando who is the statistician and booster club president. Mentioned to him that we like the warm-ups of the team. Last nite he presented Kim and I with our own personalized warm up with our numbers on them. Everybody knows I was number 85 in the class of ’85. Kim says, “she was number 00 on the basketball team”, but she also kept the stats. huh???
Most importantly, I enjoyed just being there with the family. Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing smiles and hearing the laughter of my family. I am addicted to trying to create lasting memories with my folks. And it only cost us $14 bucks and the food of course. But it was worth every dime…
Falcons…Family…and Friendship
After worship on Sunday a couple of friends, Destin and I normally head down to the Georgia Dome to enjoy some Falcons football. I’m learning that the most meaninful things are those that money can’t buy. Like hanging with friends and my son watching football. Just the boys hanging. Priceless!
It’s like the guys and I have an unwritten rule about not talking about anything that has the potential to steal the joy and relaxation of the afternoon from us. Come on guys you know what I mean. We talk about first downs, player’s stats, and playoff possibilities. What a way to wind down on Sunday.
Destin is really getting into this whole fooball thing. He’s only two but seems to enjoy the sights and sounds of football. Not to mention the popcorn, chicken fingers and hotdogs. I can’t help but think that today i carry him to the games with me. But one day I look forward to him picking me up to hang with him at a game-His treat of course. LOL!!!
Go Falcons!
