On the TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS June 6, 2016 # 596 Up next… Mentoring
After further review…A recent CBS “60 Minutes” program featured Valarie B. Jarrett, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Barack Obama. Yes, that’s right — POTUS has a “special advisor!” She answers to no one but him – not the President’s cabinet, not the Senate, not the House of Representatives – just Obama. She is there in a mentorship role. The TunneySide has always believed in mentoring, and I dedicated an entire chapter to the topic (number 21, “Everyone Needs Mentors – I’ve had the best”) in my book Impartial Judgment. (More on that later).
Throughout my life I believed in having mentors. As a kid on the playground I always played with kids two or three years older. My thought was that I can learn more from them than kids my own age. As a teacher, coach, high school principal and district superintendent I wanted to learn from the best, so I followed that same thinking and searched out more experienced educators who could help me. When I became a high school principal, I formed a community advisory committee to help guide our school to its healthiest growth.
When I was accepted as an NFL referee, I stayed that course and sought out those with more experience and knowledge to help me become a better game official, and they inspired the above statement “I’ve had the best.” In the early days the NFL didn’t assign officials to crews, so I had the privilege of working with six or seven of the best referees (the crew chief).
In the early 2000s, under the leadership of veteran referees Red Cashion and Jerry Markbreit, (both then retired) the NFL began a “Trainers” program whereby former NFL officials became mentors to younger officials in their various on-field positions. These trainers are mentors to younger officials, but do not hire, fire, or grade them. It is important to note that every official is graded on calls – and no-calls – on every play in every game throughout the season. These trainers have no responsibility in grading; they are there only as mentors to help guide their younger colleagues become better every game, every week. I have been fortunate to work in that capacity for the past several seasons. Giving-back is an important way of life.
From the president of the United States to the youngest official in the NFL, having a mentor to help guide you in the best direction is of great value to you and your organization.
Will you seek out experienced others to be your mentors?
To contact Jim go to www.jimtunney.com or email him jim@jimtunney.com.
Be sure to get Jim’s new book, “101 Best of the TunneySide of Sports” now available for $20.– includes tax, shipping and an autograph, if requested. The TunneySide takes issues from the sports world and transforms them into positive messages for living a better life. Thank You! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Ub8mJo-r0
