I am definitely a much better official than I otherwise would be without the knowledge I've gained here. Here's to many more years of camaraderie and learning!
I've learned so much out here from everyone discussion plays, quizzes, mechanics, etc. I became a better official because of it. I actually started it for my NCAA crew to be able to discuss things. When McGriff's board was bombarded with spam, the timing was just right for many to migrate here.
Unfortunately, there was a very prominent official and leader who thought this had no redeeming value and would actually hurt the officiating community (even after it was endorsed by Rogers Redding, Walt Coleman, and Dick Honig). He was very ignorant of the purpose and value of it and was very stubborn in his ideas. I tried to explain it to him, but he had his mind made up and wouldn't listen to anything I said. He, somewhat, controlled my career so I couldn't really argue with him and had to step away for a while. It still bugs me to this day.
I'm afraid discussion boards like this have overstayed their welcome and are a thing of the past. The younger generation doesn't seem to find the value in them as the generation of 10-20 years ago.
