On the TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS October 12, 2015 #562 Up Next…Football is Family!
An ad that the NFL is currently running on national network and cable television proclaims “Football is Family!” Its purpose, of course, is to encourage the whole family to watch the games. The game of football has been a big part of my life as well as that of my family’s. I have no exact fix on when it started, but I can’t remember when it wasn’t part of our family’s fabric. My father, Jim Tunney Sr., was an outstanding high school and college player, and then a high school football coach at Lincoln (L.A.) where he coached Kenny Washington, the first African-American player for the Los Angeles Rams.
My dad’s footprint as a football official left a large one for me to fill. But I took my first step at the age of five or six when I accompanied him to high school and college games he officiated. My officiating history, therefore, in now in its eighth decade as I continue working for the NFL as an observer/mentor to today’s NFL officials. Football is family!
As today’s game has become more physical than ever before with the size, strength, and speed of its athletes, today’s officials must, and do, maintain a physical, mental and emotional strength to keep pace. There is no denying the physicality of the game, with the credo that “Ya gotta knock somebody down,” and the injuries that occur. But everyone involved recognizes the need to minimize injuries of every description. Every T*E*A*M considers its players a family, with their welfare of paramount importance.
Fans rarely pay much attention to the on-field game officials – until controversy is introduced. But here’s something to make note of: during October, all NFL on-field officials use pink whistles and wear pink arm bands in support of BCA (Breast Cancer Awareness) month. This has been an annual occurrence for several years. Further, officials work in their communities to help raise funds for charitable causes. Why do game officials do this? Is this a part of their job?
While certainly not required, it’s the type of ancillary characteristic the NFL looks for in its officiating candidates – those who are best able to represent the league. The morning of every NFL game, the crew of seven NFL officials gathers before their breakfast in a special meeting called a “devotional”. Anyone on the crew might lead a discussion that touches upon their gratitude for this officiating opportunity, striving for the best job that can be done, and prayerful consideration of their brethren and others who may be ill or suffering.
Will you uphold your family with some of the same values found in a football family?
To contact Jim go to www.jimtunney.com or email him jim@jimtunney.com.
For more of Jim’s insights into sports that relate to life issues, get his three books: (“101 Best of Tunney Side of Sports,” “It’s the Will, Not the Skill,” and “Impartial Judgment”) now offered at the reduced price of $40. – a $20. discount. Please email him. Thank You!
