Just What Does Your Referee Do For You? How About Something Extra?

This is a frequently asked by new officials (and some old ones too) and is probably a legitimate question that deserves an answer.  Right off the top of my head, here are a few things a referee does:

*  Makes sure the event or dual match is properly staffed with certified officials.
*  Makes sure you get paid and that you get meals provided if you work through meal time.
*  Makes sure you get paid for mileage if at all possible.
*  Protects you from irate players, coaches, and fans if the situation arises.
*  Makes assignments in spite of criticism from those who always want the #1 match.
*  Keeps order and calm among the assigned officials.

These are just some common sense things that the referee should provide for the officials--but with my coming from a background of 45 years as a pastor/preacher, I always provide them with a little something extra...

I don't want to offend anyone with this so if you are offended by something from the Bible, then don't read any further.  If you are one of my officials and want to know what "something extra" I provide for you, then keep reading.  What you get doesn't cost you anything, doesn't hurt when you get it, and comes free of charge...

Remember: This something extra covers you from when you leave home, when you are traveling, when you are working, and then all the way back home.  If you'd like, I can extend it so it covers you all the time--at no extra charge!

Here is what I do for my officials at every tournament or dual match:

The Biblical Hedge of Protection

Since Scripture tells us that Satan and his minions are out to destroy us and that we are in a continual spiritual warfare, we need protection in our daily lives--and most of all, we need victory over things that would harm us.  This principle holds true in tennis officiating as well as all aspects of life so I thought I should help do something about it...

In the book of Job, Scripture tells us that Job would rise up early every day (Job 1:5) to pray a HEDGE OF PROTECTION around his family for their protection.  I like to do the same for my officials.  I want them protected from anyone or anything that would harm them physically, emotionally, or any other way.  In today's world, we have no guarantees of what might happen to us at any event that we officiate so God's protection is always a good thing.  

Here is the Biblical definition of a hedge of protection:  that which surrounds like a fence--made to protect that which is in it from the enemy on the outside.  Infers that that which is protected is precious.

You may be a believer or you may not be, but you will have your hedge of protection anytime we work together.  I think we can all agree that God will do a better job of protecting us that we can do for ourselves...