Time to take a knee.

[Sumstine]

I have decided to retire as a field official in the Mountain West.

I have struggled with knee pain dating back to a 1993 ACL injury. The Mountain West supervisor asked me to wait a while or take a leave of absence and see if it got better but it is important to me to leave on a professional and positive note and I know the time is right for me to step off the field.

I will continue as the HHSAA coordinator of football officials and producing video and philosophies to help the officials with their duties and development.

I am looking forward to getting more involved with high school football at the national level and as always, feel free to call on me if I can help in any way.

Matt Sumstine

[busman]

Enjoy. The first year was tough, but it gets better. HINT - I gave everything away so I couldn't be called at the last minute. I still got a couple of calls, but "Sorry, I don't have my uniform anymore" helped ease the tug on the heartstrings.

[TXMike]

Kudos for recognizing it is time. And bigger ones for staying involved    You were a pioneer in training with film.   Great to know you will continue that!

[HLinNC]

 

[AlUpstateNY]

There's no way of knowing how much consideration you've given, or discussion you've had with your doctor, about replacing your original God given knee, but if you should go down that road it's likely the only regret you'll have is that you waited too long, and put up with too much pain, before doing it.  It's only a couple of days in the hospital and several weeks of rehab.  How much rehab depends a lot on how seriously you follow instructions, but the more you put into it, the shorter it takes.  Think in terms of weeks, not months and how great it will be not to ever think about your knee, before considering whether to do something you want to do. 

Good luck whichever road you choose and thanks for your work with film

[PanamaRef]

When ever you want to talk about Knees let me know, I have had 5 operations so far and next is a knee replacement.  I am still on the field as this is all I have to keep sane.


But which every way you go, good luck and will be in touch....one day I will make it back to Hawaii to your clinic.

[bama_stripes]

I know that's a decision you didn't take lightly, Matt.  Thanks for all you do to make us better!   

[Rulesman]

Walking away is the toughest decision one has to make. Thanks for all that you do. The next Bud's for you! 

[Ralph Damren]

Matt - Sad to hear you're leaving the field, but glad to hear you're going to continue your involvement. Your training tapes are great and have been a strong asset to our association in not only training new officials but re-energizing old ones (who were getting sick of hearing me flap my jaws at our weekly meetings ). Thanks for all you do for the game. - Ralph

[James]

Hi Matt,
I also want to wish you the best, and hope you keep up your videos as long as I'm on the field myself!
As for stepping back, as someone who played for a long time, and having stepped back from that aspect a few years ago, I have to agree that it is very hard to do (when not being forced away by an injury).

I still miss it, and my pre-snap routine is telling myself my keys like this "4 white on 11 blue, 4 white on 11 blue. Do not tackle. Do not tackle" (just to remind myself).

I still miss it, and take solace in my officiating duties. I hope you will also be happy in helping out from the sidelines and stands and helping make us all better officials with your videos.

[bushman]

Hi Matt,
My hat is also off to you for making the tough but right choice. I know it is a very tough one. I work in a FBS conference and have seen way too many guys go out fighting and bitter after being forced out because of bad knees, backs, or ankles. They walk away bitter instead of looking back at all the great times, games, and friends they have made throughout their career. Someone retired to make room for you in the past and you have now opened the door for an upcoming younger official to get their chance to work the great game we are lucky to be part of.  I am year to year with my time left and my knee will be a big part of that decision when to leave and not waiting to be told you are done. I am not looking forward to this day but I know that this is the end of the great ride I have had and will always be pulling for our brothers in stripes. I like you plan on staying involved and helping the next generation of officials as they step up. Good luck, you are a true friend and brother official to all.

[clearwall]

Sorry I'm a little late to this party, but I'd like to offer my congrats and thanks to you as well. Your videos were and have been tremendously helpful to me the last few years and I've enjoyed your take on these things.

Coincidentally, a fellow B in my HS chapter just got hired in the MWC, so I guess I should be thanking you for opening a spot for him. Since he's moving up, he's offered his crew spot to a few of us in the chapter of which I am a potential replacement so your retirement might have a direct effect to my career.