In world the of officiating, Jim Tunney is ‘Babe Ruth’ – Los Angeles Times

Jim Tunney, Dean of NFL Referees

Upon further review: ‘In the world of officiating, Jim Tunney is Babe Ruth’ by Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times

Jim Tunney has seen both ends of the spectrum.

He was the NFL’s youngest game official when he was hired as a 30-year-old field judge in 1960, and now is the oldest living retired referee, three weeks removed from his 95th birthday.

Tunney, a graduate of Occidental College, was on the field in stripes for some of the most memorable games in NFL history, among them the “Ice Bowl,” a frigid game between Dallas and Green Bay; “The Catch,” when Joe Montana’s pass to Dwight Clark toppled the Cowboys and sent the San Francisco 49ers to their first Super Bowl; and “The Fumble,” when Denver beat Cleveland in the AFC championship game. He refereed three Super Bowls.

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The End of An Era

The TunneySide of Sports Column is ending after 18 yearsOn the TunneySide of Sports

The End of An Era!

The TunneySide of Sports column by former NFL referee Jim Tunney, which has been a staple of the sports world since 2005 and houses over 930 articles in the archives, is coming to an end.

As I turn the page on this chapter of my life, I am filled with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. For many years I have dedicated myself to writing a weekly column for my website and The Monterey Herald and now it is time for me to bid farewell to the column and focus my attention on other projects that have long been awaiting my attention.

It has been a pleasure to share stories, insights, advice, and experiences with readers over the years, from all over the world and I thank you for your support.

You will still be able to read the articles on my website  and I am always available via email at jim@jimtunney.com and on Facebook.

Thank you!

Jim Tunney

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The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same

On the TunneySide of Sports
December 12, 2022

#930 Up next…

This article “Are you Conscious of Personal Boundaries?” was originally published in December 2009, so the incidents mentioned here can be considered “old news.”

After Further Review… My parents taught me about boundaries (i.e., being careful not to offend others through your words or actions).  In any relationship (e.g., husband/wife, parent/child, teacher/student, etc.), each of us must respect the other person’s space.

As an NFL official for 31 years, I practiced that both on and off the field.  Some coaches and players wanted to be more than just friendly; however, it was important not to invade their space or allow them into mine.  On the field, it’s easy for an official to be familiar with coaches and players more than just as casual acquaintances.  As an example, it is natural for an official to want to compliment a player when witnessing a great play – but you can’t.

So when I saw an NFL official give a player a “high five,” after that player solidified his team’s victory in a Monday Night Football game, I was concerned. The high five occurred without the official initiating it nor intending to give the impression he was congratulating the player.  When it drew criticism, the bloggers went crazy.  One blogger said, ‘It was funny and spontaneous; the sort of feel-good moment that’s becoming all too rare in an increasingly humorless NFL.”

Funny? To whom? It’s not funny to the losing team or their fans.  Officials must demonstrate impartiality to engage the trust of players, coaches, and fans.  For example, if a coach approached me to shake hands when I walked on the field during pre-game preparation, I always went to the other coach to do the same.  The first coach might just have wanted to say “hello,” yet to others, it may appear to have been more than that.  Be friendly, certainly; but, detached.

An official in any sport, at any level, must be sensitive to impartiality.  At the pro level, there are millions of gambling dollars bet every day.  With the conviction of (former) NBA official Tim Donaghy for providing information to gamblers, the risk level has been raised to “high.”  When Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ochocinco thought it was funny to try to put a $1 bill in an official’s pocket, he violated not just a rule (The NFL fined him $20,000), but a boundary.  In the recent Tiger Woods accident/transgression admission, the public may be fascinated; however, Woods has no responsibility for an explanation to the public.  Boundaries apply universally.

Will you respect the boundary of others by using good judgment?

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Holiday Gifts For The Sports Fan

The Jim Tunney NFL Referee Bobblehead is the perfect gift for any football fan this Christmas. Not only does it commemorate a legendary NFL referee, but also serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and fair play.

Whether you’re a Bobblehead collector, Jim Tunney fan, or both! — you’re sure to want to add this Bobblehead to your collection! It stands at 7 1/2 inches tall with a 2-inch wide base and is quite substantial in weight and appearance.

Click here to pay $30 (free shipping) via PayPal or mail a check to 2962 Club Rd, Ste 32, Pebble Beach, CA 93953.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

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