[Carol]

In my experience with refereeing (and this is probably true for other positions) the key ability is to be able to be detached. Few calls are strictly black and white calls. You need to be able to make a decision based only on the facts of the situation, not on your knowledge or perception of the team or people involved.

For example, you can't have in the back of your mind "team xyz beat us last year in the semis, I really don't want to see them win again" or "I really like the driver on that team and they deserve to win this match". This type of thinking can subconsciously influence your calls. It is harder than it sounds to be totally detached in your judgement. Yes, there are others on the field who can help you make the call and can verify your decision, but sometimes you are the only one to see something, so you're on the hot seat. You have to be willing to make unpopular decisions and be criticized for them.

You also need the ability to focus on whatever aspect of the game you are watching. You can't be distracted by a great shot at the other end of the field, or by watching to see how a favorite team of yours is playing. Or by other things going on around you. Or by the fact that your feet hurt and you're hungry and you just want this match to end.

Some 18 years olds can do this easily; some 60 year olds will never be able to.

In regards to being a ref if your team is playing, this does happen. Sometimes there is no choice. But you have to either be currently not on the team (i.e., you graduated a few years ago) or have proven by your performance in other volunteer roles to the VC and head ref that you can be focused and unbiased.

But don't let me scare you away - reffing and other volunteer roles can be very rewarding and enjoyable. And you get to interact and learn from some wonderful people. Plus wearing vertical stripes is very slimming.