Barbara Bleiweis's blog

Being a woman official who wants to achieve varsity status requires an understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics that may not exist in traditional work environments.

Since my last blog, where I shared my disappointment in not being invited to the summer evaluation officiating program, I made a commitment to refocus my energy on other things. After all, life is more than just basketball, right?  (There, I said it!)

I decided to re-engage with tennis, a sport that I loved as a youth, but have not played in decades. In doing so, I discovered  that not only do I still LOVE the sport, but I have an opportunity to expand my momsTEAM perspective beyond officiating and sport parenthood.   With tennis, the officiating hat is off, and replaced with that of a  player on a doubles team, as well as a player being coached.  

Here are some of the insights I have gained so far:

I recently attended campus day - my first "parent meet faculty" event at the university my daughter has chosen to spend the next four years of her life. As an mom and experienced sport parent, I approached the event with my usual silent support,  and measured, but contained enthusiasm ( I am very proud of her!).  Since she has already accepted the offer of admission, the check has been deposited, the dye cast, my attendance goal was to listen, absorb, people watch, and purchase university spirit wear. I accomplished all this -- but walked away from the event with so much more.  In short, I was BLOWN AWAY.

Australian tennis pro Bernard Tomic made an unusual request last weekend to the chair umpire during his quarter-final match at the Sony Ericsson Tennis Open in Miami. 

During a changeover he asked to have his dad "banished from the stands."  Seems his dad was, according to an article in USA Today, "noticeably upset with his son's performance", which the reader and fans might conclude, would impact Tomic's ability to focus. "He's annoying me. I know he's my father, but he's annoying me. I want him to leave as soon as possible," Tomic reportedly told the umpire.

"Be patient, Barbara. The games will come." Such was the advice of Ed, the camp director of the first basketball officiating camp I attended in 2006.  Ed took a personal interest in my career and helped me improve by observing my games and encouraging me to focus on the big picture.  He advised that my goal should be on step-by-step improvement and a conviction that I will improve if I put my mind to it. AND, to give it time, and the games will come.