I recently had the opportunity to spend an hour speaking with Ron Baynes about football officiating. Ron Baynes is a retired NFL football official and currently holds the position of Director of NFL Recruiting. Ron is the former assistant vice president of football officiating and left that position for his current role when his son Allen entered the NFL two years ago.
Our discussion traversed numerous subjects as well as explaining the process of identifying and recruiting NFL officiating prospects. It was truly an insightful conversation and there was a specific topic Ron was passionate about that I want to mention in this blog post.
Very simply put – BE GOOD.
Two words, Not even a complete sentence. BE GOOD. Subject is implied as YOU. No true criteria for judgment. BE GOOD.
Ron told me that moving up through the ranks in football officiating was as simple as two simple words. BE GOOD. Be good at where you are today. Work every game like its your last. Never take a play off. Make your efforts on the field be a true reflection of your desire and preparation and commitment. Concentrate each day, each game, each season on getting better, improving your officiating, bringing your A game…being the Best On The Field.
Ron assured me that our efforts would not be in vain, we would gain recognition and get noticed. Opportunities would present themselves, good fortune would arrive. Just BE GOOD and you become sort of a magnet, attracting the right people, energy, chi.. call it what you will. BE GOOD.
Ron told this story and I’ll try to re-tell it accurately here. He flew into Green Bay for a Sunday game. He arrived early and had some time to kill so he took a stroll near the hotel. Along the way he saw a football field fairly close to the hotel where a football game was underway. Ron made a bee-line towards the field where he finds a youth game in process being worked by a 3 man crew. One official in particular was really putting forth a superstar effort working the game like it was a Wisconsin state championship. Ron was really impressed by this official and his performance on the field. He was also unimpressed by his two crew mates. Ron continued to watch the game enjoying the afternoon and the contest at hand. Following the game, Ron made his way to the parking lot where he found the three football officials discussing the game. Ron introduced himself and passed out his card which stated he was the Assistant VP of Football Officiating. Hands were shaken and introductions shared. Ron told them he was appreciated their efforts and had to leave to get ready for the Green Bay game. Then he suprised the stand-out official by telling him he REALLY liked his performance and suggested he submit an application to the NFL! Needless to say you can imagine the reaction.
Point is to all this is…we need to BE GOOD simply for the sake of being good. You just never know who may be watching.
