It's Gotta Be The Shoes

Here is a funny little story about a refereeing experience that happened a couple of years ago. On the infamous night, I was scheduled to referee the varsity high school games at Paulding County High School. It is about a 45 minute drive from my house. So, I pick up my bag and head out the door. I arrive at the gym about an hour before the scheduled tip off. I watch some of the JV game before heading in to the locker room to change. Once I open my bag, I realize there is a major problem.

I forgot my referee shoes. To make matters worse, I was wearing casual shoes, so there is no way to referee two basketball games with them on. What the hell am I supposed to do? First idea is to call the house and see if Elliott is there and can possibly do me a huge favor and bring my shoes to the school. No luck as the phone is busy. Knowing there is know way to go home and get back before the game, we decide that I will drive home to get my shoes and one of the JV referees will do the girls game and I will be back for the boys game. So, I start heading back home and I see a Kmart. The light bulb goes off and I go in looking for all black athletic shoes. BINGO. They have some at the low price of $29.99. They aren't the most comfortable shoes, but for the night, they will work. I purchase them and head back to the gym. The traction on the shoes was so bad that I would have to start to stop 5 feet from the baseline and slide the rest of the way. After refereeing the two games, it is time to head home. Before doing so, I swing in to the Kmart to return the shoes.