Riding a bike.

The Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Calling Mom on Mother’s Day.

 

 

Some things you never forget.

On the second weekend of May, scheduler Rob hooked me up. He gave me seven games to referee in the 2015 Kelowna Monster Jam Basketball Tournament. There were 62 total games starting on Friday night at 5 PM and ending on Sunday afternoon.

 

I had not been on a basketball court since June 2014. That was in the good ole USA. I had NEVER been on the British Columbia/Kelowna hardwood. I felt a little trepidation on Friday afternoon. Rob and I were working together that night and I had to make a strong first impression on the boss.

Elaine and I arrived at Rutland Middle School at 4:45 PM. While walking to the gym, Rob pulled up. Good timing. Good karma. The first game was Under-15 Boys Competitive. Calgary vs. Kelowna. Two 16-minute halves. Stopped clock. The team from Alberta smoked the locals.

Rob was in mid-season form. I was rustier than silverware on the Titanic. My mechanics were sloppy, my court fluidity was choppy. Felt at times like I was running in sand. But, best of all, I had not forgotten how to call a game. My whistle was strong. My court coverage was decent. Lotta subtle rules to learn. Feed me more.

 

 

 

On Saturday I was scheduled for two afternoon games at Heritage Christian. A little soreness loomed from last night. Then things got interesting – I was working both games solo?! Rob didn’t have enough zebras to go around. Oh boy – gotta cover the angles and do my job. No sweat. The games went smoothly. My game-calling was a little crisper. Had to be.

 

 

Sunday I had three games with ref Ken at two different school gyms. First whistle at 9:15 AM – final toot at 2:30 PM. I was gassed. My legs were rubbery. Walking in our front door was heavenly. Elaine and I strolled over to Rotary Beach Park and parked our chairs in the sand. It was toasty out. I was toasted. Getting back in shape ain’t easy. 

Next up – two Kelowna Minor Basketball Association (KMBA) games on Tuesday night. I’m back.

Overtime Update – Those Tuesday night games had me scratching my clock-management head. For all my KC ref buddies – check out this time allotment:

Each game started with FOUR 4-minute quarters (no subbing).

Then a 4-minute halftime.

Then TWO more 4-minute quarters (no subbing).

Then ONE final 8-minute quarter (subbing allowed).

One timeout per half – no carryover.