Paul Stewart: Advice for a Brother in Stripes: Dealing With Tough Times

I have to say leaning on your fellow brothers and sisters during difficult times should be a no brainer. We should always be there to listen and lend a supporting hand when needed.

I've done it for younger officials and I have had mentors to help me out through difficult times when I was frustrated and ready to hang them up. If it wasn't for the likes of Buffalo officials like Chewy, Murph, and especially my old man I don't know if I would still be working let alone at the level I reached.

Always good to know that fellow officials in any sport can stick together (except for those soccer guys they let the flopping continue too much I kid)

Another good read.

I love the part about being licensed to officiate. I coach youth soccer in Reading, PA and every season before we start, I always tell my parents, and players because lets face it, some youths have opinions, also, to keep their mouths shut at the official, the other parents from the other team if they're being obnoxious, and enjoy watching their kids play a sport. If there is ever a question about a call, its my job to communicate with the ref as to why a call was or wasn't made.

I also always remind my parents that the kids are not their to win the world cup, they are their to learn to play a game that I love. My job is to teach them about the game. I also go as far as telling the parents, if there is something that happens in the game that they are not sure of, ask me. I also teach my parents about the game so they understand certain rules so that way it makes it more enjoyable for them.