REAL PEOPLE/THE OFFICIAL STORY
Making the Hard Calls
How retired executive Neal Kennedy stays fit—and on his toes—as a school sports referee
IT HAPPENED when I was 65 and refereeing a big prep-school lacrosse match: One of the goalies attacked me. The match had been tied, with seconds left, when his opponents took one last shot and scored. I saw the ball cross the line, blew the whistle and gave the goal sign.
That’s when the losing goalie slashed me in the midriff with his stick. I never saw it coming, but I managed to blow my whistle again, throw the flag and get him ejected. I was black-and-blue for days. But driving home from that match, I never once thought, That’s it or I’m getting too old for this. I wasn’t going to let one incident discourage me.
That was more than 10 years ago, and nothing like that has happened to me since, so I think I made the right call.
I’ve been officiating soccer since 1994, when I filled in at my son’s game after the ref didn’t show. I added lacrosse in 1999 and upped my participation once I retired from work. I’ve reffed over a thousand high school and college games across the mid-Atlantic.
I’m 77 now, and the U.S. Soccer Federation says I’m among the oldest active refs in the country. During a 90-minute soccer game, I’ll run 4 to 7 miles. For lacrosse, 4 to 5. It keeps the weight off and my cholesterol low. I’m slow getting out of the car when I get home, but I’m fine the next morning.
I don’t dwell on age. Reffing is fun, and I’ll continue as long as I can. Most kids are great, and I enjoy giving them the opportunity to play.
But that opportunity is endangered. There’s a shortage of refs in all sports at every level. So if you’re interested in youth sports, I’d encourage you to ask your local youth association if they need help. Sure, there will be hotheaded players—and parents—but you’ll be fine if you follow three rules: 1) be where you’re supposed to be; 2) make the difficult call; and 3) blow a strong whistle.
Come to think of it, those aren’t bad rules for life. —As told to Joe Kita
Neal Kennedy, 77, is a retired sales executive and a certified referee with the U.S. Soccer Federation, USA Lacrosse, NISOA and NILOA. He lives in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Neal’s Idiosyncratic Quiz for Would-Be Referees
Score one point for every “yes” answer:
1. Did you play a sport in school or later in life? (Y) (N)
2. Are you a fan of a particular sport? (Y) (N)
3. Are you a stickler for the rules? (Y) (N)
4. Do you handle criticism well? (Y) (N)
5. Are you relatively mobile and fit? (Y) (N)
6. Can you make quick decisions? (Y) (N)
7. Are your evenings and weekends generally free? (Y) (N)
8. Are you punctual and dependable? (Y) (N)
9. Do you enjoy being in control? (Y) (N)
10. Can you blow a whistle? (Y) (N)
11. Do you look good in a uniform? (Y) (N)
If you answered yes to six or more questions, you have referee potential. Contact the local youth association for the sport you know best.