Role Models Wanted

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Role Models Needed by Jim TunneyOn the TunneySide of Sports December 30, 2019 #776 Up next… Role Models Wanted

After further review… Impartial Judgment was the first of 13 books that I have authored or co-authored. That book chronicled my 31-year career as a National Football League game official, mostly in the position of Referee. It was important that I gave credit to those who were my role models — those who helped me perform at a top level. Equally important for me is to be a role model for upcoming officials and others.

There are too many of my mentors to list here since I officiated over 500 NFL games. I had help getting into the NFL with guidance from Bud Brubaker and Norm Schachter among others. First and foremost, however, that belongs to my father who was also a football and basketball official. He wasn’t so concerned about whether I was in the correct position on the field, but rather that I prepare properly by being in my best physical and mental condition. That preparation was what I challenged me to pass along to others.

My message here is not only for game officials but for players and coaches as well. Far too often I hear from some current players that being a role model is “not my job.” Those who take that approach forget who got them to where they are. Most in today’s game realize their role and the importance of passing along to others what they learned.

At the risk of omitting many players and coaches with whom I had the pleasure to observe on the NFL field, let me mention just three: one player and two coaches. Drew Brees, currently the New Orleans Saints Quarterback holds NFL’s all-time career touchdown passing record along with other NFL records, impresses me with his T*E*A*M cohesiveness. Mostly, however, is his work in the New Orleans community when he established the Brees Dream Foundation to help with victims of Katrina and other projects.

In the coaches category, there are two: Herm Edwards, currently the Arizona State University head coach. My book, ‘It’s the Will Not the Skill‘ chronicles the life of Coach Edwards. Knowing him personally and observing his success with players and others, I would recommend any young man to work under the guidance of Coach Herm.

The other is Ron Rivera, formerly head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Ron grew up in Seaside, California (incidentally so did Edwards) went on to Cal/Berkeley, then to the Chicago Bears where he played in and won Super Bowl XX; then onto several NFL assistant coaching jobs. To know Ron Rivera makes you his friend.

Will you log-in role models in your life who had an influence on you?

Happy New Year from Jim Tunney Tunney 2019 -2020

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To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.

Jim’s bobblehead ($30) and latest book ($20) “101 Best of TunneySide of Sports” are available at Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c3) P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, Ca, 93953. Includes autograph and free S&H. Thank You!

Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!

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Change the Way You Look at Things

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

On the TunneySide of Sports December 23, 2019 #775 ”Change the way you look at things...”On the TunneySide of Sports December 23, 2019 #775 Up next… Change the Way You Look at Things

After further review… If you celebrated Chanukah yesterday and today or you are getting ready for Christmas this week, your spirits are or will be at a  giving level. That level, like the word philanthropy, doesn’t necessarily mean donating money to others. It is simply a feeling of goodwill towards others. This time of year encourages that spirit. Hopefully, it will remain.

In many of my professional presentations over the last 40 years, I have used the expression: “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Many resist change because of its unknown nature. Yet we need to welcome change. You can change your world by changing your words.

This was apparent to me when I began working with special athletes in the mid-1970 at their Special Olympics summer games. For some observers watching disabled athletes attempt what was a simple athletic move was unnerving. However, when you work alongside these special athletes, you can feel their spirit and never-give-up attitude. Note: the term handicapped has been removed not only because it is disrespectful, but every one of us may have a handicap.

When I first became an NFL game official, some “white” players were angry that “black” players were entering their sport. Terms of disrespect were heard often on the gridiron. Time and understanding have changed much of that. When the first openly gay players “came out” (I never did like that term), they were not well accepted. Change the way you look at things…

A few decades ago, you may recall the taunting of gay people through the use of derogatory terms like “fairy,” “queer,” and “faggot.” How in God’s name does one expect to better himself by disrespecting another? Hopefully, we are improving both on and off the field.

In the 1940s the entrance of Jackie Robinson into major league baseball was difficult for players and fans alike. Many whites called it their game. If you look at those playing professional sports today, a transformation has taken place dramatically. From this view, sports can lead the way by accepting others of different backgrounds and beliefs.

While we still have a long way to go in respecting others’ differences, we find that this holiday season – whether it be Chanukah, Christmas, any religious or non-religious belief – can bring a feeling of goodness towards others. Have a blessed holiday and a grateful 2020!

Will you bring forth the goodness within you to help others?

Merry Christmas from Jim Tunney

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To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.

Jim’s bobblehead ($30.) and new book “Yet Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports” ($20.) make great Christmas gifts, Send check to Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c) P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, CA, 93953 includes autograph and free S & H, Have a blessed holiday season.

Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!

Posted in Tunney Side of Sports Columns | Leave a comment

Time to go Bowl—ing!

Posted on December 16, 2019 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

On the TunneySide of Sports December 16, 2019 #774 Up next…Time to go Bowl—ing!

After further review… At this writing, there are over 50 NCAA bowl games beginning last weekend and running through January 2020. Are all those necessary? Yes, if you consider three elements: Pride in their school, recruiting the best high school stars, and, of course, financial reward, which may be number one! There are seven bowl games where at least one of the teams had only six victories! My old-school thinking remembers when there were only five bowl games with Orange, Sugar, and Rose played on January 1st, all with winning records.

However, if your college team has been selected to play in a bowl game, you have bragging rights over your rivals and hopefully plan to attend. In some cases, each competing school is required to purchase a given number of tickets in order to swell the attendance. In that scenario, the profit for the school is not as large. No matter what the costs or encumbrances may be, pride comes into play for alumni as well as students.

Disruptions of classes and travel across the country takes a backseat to the value (?) of a bowl game. Members of a schools marching band, in some schools that number can be as many as 200 musicians, all carrying and playing as they march and perform in pregame and half-time formations. If you think playing defensive end or offensive tackle is challenging, try carrying a tuba or a bass drum while marching. Those band members, BTW,  started practice in August before the fall semester at the same time as practice for the football players. It’s a long season.

Incidentally, with regards to students at the games, have you noticed they ALL stand during the game. Yes, they do have seats, but standing is the current style of Gen Z. Adults such as Baby Boomers and others are advised to sit apart, not only for the rowdiness but for a chance to watch the play-of-the-game for which they came. The loudness and constant playing of your teams’ sound percussion marching band drums may also be a consideration.

If you are in San Diego, California for the Holiday Bowl to watch Iowa and U.S.C. play on December 27, 2019, at the Qualcomm Stadium (formerly home of the San Diego Chargers) you can be assured of the incessant playing of the Trojans “Fight On” song accompanied with the “Victory” sign pointing skyward by everyone, including the elderly.

If you happened to be in Bobcat Stadium watching Montana State University play Austin Peay University who traveled from Clarksville, TN to Bozeman for that playoff game last Friday, you could hear the Austin Peay (named after their 1927 governor) fans encouraging their team on by chanting (the Y is silent); “Let’s Go Peay!” – “Let’s Go Peay.” Strange, but full of enthusiasm.

Will you comment on whether the number of college bowl games is excessive?

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To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.

Jim’s bobblehead ($30.) and new book “Yet Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports” ($20.) make great Christmas gifts, Send check to Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c) P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, CA, 93953 includes autograph and free S & H, Have a blessed holiday season.

Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!

Posted in Sports, Tunney Side of Sports Columns | Tagged | Leave a comment