Lack of proper physical conditioning can negate some of the positive strides rookie officials make in learning the rules and mechanics. Why? Hey, if you can't move well enough to get into proper position, then you won't be able to make the right calls. That in itself can be extremely frustrating.
Working out is good, but...
Leading up to my rookie season I had been a regular at the local YMCA. I figured I was in pretty decent shape since I had been doing a mix of cardio, weight training, and stretching.
That outlook changed once I started working some subvarsity games.
Pulled hamstrings, strained quads, sore knees, lower back pain, and a few other miscellaneous aches: It seemed like a new physical problem every week. I look back now and try to imagine how bad it could have been had I not done any work at the Y. Probably traction central!
Continued...
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