One for two is not perfect, but not bad

By John Drake

Maybe Monday is not the best day of the week to write a blog.  Since over 50% of most youth league activities occur on Saturday, there are always a few concerns that are phoned or emailed to our attention on Monday.  Sometimes the mood takes on a “glass half empty” feel and not the positive, glowing report that Friday brings.  This Monday has had one good comment about our Basketball program and one concern.  So, as it is with baseball, if you can go 1 for 2 every game you will be a multi-million dollar player.

The phone rang just after 9am.  A parent was concerned about playing time, not getting information from the coach regarding games and practices, rules of the game, and a possible desire to switch teams.  Although I didn’t get a name, it was a very cordial call and hopefully the information that our front office provided was an assist to this mom.  This is a pretty normal call of concern and usually we can help.  Often, when the caller doesn’t receive the answer they were looking for, their next question is the obvious:  “Who is your boss?”

But then, the good news.  We received an email from a parent complimenting one of our 2nd/3rd grade league officials.  Not only is that a headline for any league, but for the 2nd/3rd grade league it is truly remarkable.  Normally this league is officiated by the youngest of our Parks and Recreation staff, because the more experienced officials won’t even substitute in this league.  However, this year we have a young adult (early 20s) that has stepped in on Thursdays to “give back” to a program he played in 15 years ago.  He followed the example of  another adult that was the officiating “cornerstone” for this league.  This official is a long time member of the “Guard” and is preparing to soon deploy to Iraq for his 2nd tour as I write this blog.  Last year he worked a few games for us in between his military calls.

So it has been very encouraging this Monday morning to know we have found new blood to work the 2nd/3rd grade games at Hogsett Elementary.  Maybe a few more good men and/or women will step up and provide the much needed leadership as a youth basketball official.  We can always use the Jeremy’s and the Kenny’s of the world to take positive leadership roles in the Parks and Recreation Department.