Leo would like to call it a career, but says there is a lack of interest among Kauai residents to become referees. Some people don’t want to face the firing range. Others think the referees on the island have formed
Leo would like to call it a career, but says there is a lack of interest among Kauai residents to become referees. Some people don’t want to face the firing range. Others think the referees on the island have formed an exclusive clan which bans outsiders from joining.
Guys like Leo and Lenny want to dispel these rumors.
“We are always looking for people to become refs,” said Lenny. “We need new recruits. Some people fear the fans and the job, but if they study the rules and are prepared, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Besides, they have a team of guys who will support them through every call.”
“We were extremely fortunate to get guys like Jerry Morris [a former PAC-10 official] and Ben Bregman [Arena Football official] to join us,” said Leo. “We are always in need of personnel, especially if we can get people with that kind of experience.”
Lenny and Leo insist that experience is not necessary as long as the person who signs up is willing to put in the time.
Bregman was one of these officials, who just picked up the rule book without prior experience and became successful. After attending NFL officiating clinics, Bregman got the call to officiate Arena Football league games.
“We don’t throw new guys into high school football games on their first day,” said Lenny. “They will work their way up to that level, starting with the youngest leagues.”
“We will take anyone off the street as long as they are willing to study the rulebooks thoroughly and learn the game.”
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