I am Justin Meyer, a basketball enthusiast who might have a problem.
I’m watching or around basketball almost every night in the winter. I play basketball multiple times each week. I’m writing about basketball almost every day of my life. However, this is somehow not enough for me as I apparently need this sport to consume more of my time and energy: I’m becoming a ref.
This Sunday, I will take my first of 12 classes that will culminate in my certification as an OHSAA basketball official.
Throughout the process, I will give updates on my experience as I take these classes with my understudy and acquaintance, Mark Donahue, who comes from a line of refs and has officiated lacrosse, football and Jai Alai.
I have never wanted to be a ref, at least not specifically. Other aspects of the game have always interested me more: playing, coaching, reporting, broadcasting. But that’s part of why I’m doing this. Basketball has always been very important to me, and I want to experience it from every angle I can. Enter officiating.
I don’t know what will happen when I arrive Sunday. Will my classmates be around my age, mostly older or a wide range? How much is in the classroom, and how much is in the gym? Is there homework? Some of my questions are foolish, but I’m heading in blind and hoping for the best. You can’t blame me too much.
This will be my triumphant return to the classroom, which means I have to some back-to-school shopping to take care of. If anyone has any idea where I can find any deals on hair gel, combs and shoes so black it looks like they were baked in the oven, please let me know. I need all the help I can get.
