Rank Doesn't Define You: Staying Motivated Through Evaluation Season

It's that time of year again—the moment every high school basketball official both anticipates and dreads: receiving the evaluations summarizing how you've performed over the season. For some, this will be a moment of validation, where the hard work, sweat, and countless hours of preparation finally pay off with an invitation to state. For others, it might feel like a harsh reminder that despite your best efforts, your goals still lie just beyond your reach. Whichever side you find yourself on, remember this—your rank, evaluations, or selections do not define you. Instead, they provide valuable lessons, guiding your growth and setting the stage for your future in officiating.

Reflecting on my own journey, qualifying for state was an incredible milestone. Achieving that goal last year after years of dedication, preparation, and resilience was deeply rewarding. The excitement, the nerves, and the pride I felt stepping onto that state championship court reminded me exactly why I love officiating. But let me tell you this: no single season or evaluation made me feel complete. My self-worth as an official was never dictated by a rank or by achieving that particular milestone alone. The true satisfaction came from knowing that I had consistently put in the work, listened to feedback, and embraced the sometimes challenging journey toward growth.

This year, looking at my evaluations, I found myself trying to rationalize the differences from the previous season. In 2024, I was ranked #20 with an average evaluation of 94.47. A year later, despite attending more camps, being fitter, and dedicating myself fully, my average evaluation is now 92.53. Initially, I felt puzzled—asking myself, "How could I possibly get worse when I’ve done more to improve?" But rather than allowing disappointment to consume me, I chose to transform that feeling into motivation.

I've shifted my focus away from immediate playoff or state goals, which has lessened the sting, but I recognize others might feel differently. These questions aren't unique to me; many officials face similar situations annually within their associations. This broader issue often stems from the culture surrounding growth, where newer referees frequently see the same veteran officials receiving preferential treatment despite potentially declining performance.

Such practices can fracture associations, yet the key remains to focus on what you can control—your own growth and dedication.

Now, maybe you're looking at your evaluations today, and your heart sinks a little. Perhaps your name isn't on the list of those selected for state, and the disappointment feels heavy.

Let me be clear—it's okay to feel disappointed. But don't allow that disappointment to turn into discouragement or excuses. This moment right now is crucial; it’s the crossroads between complacency and determination.

Remember, setbacks can either become stumbling blocks or stepping stones, depending entirely on how you choose to respond. Every official who has ever stepped foot onto a state court had a moment where they fell short, questioned their abilities, or felt overlooked. What separates the great ones from the rest is their reaction to these moments. Did they find excuses or did they dig deeper?

It's easy to fall into the mental trap of thinking the system is rigged. Maybe you believe older, more established officials or college refs unfairly get spots at state, pushing regular hardworking officials to the sidelines. This internal dialogue, although understandable, only serves to hinder your own progress. It creates a narrative where your improvement feels out of your control. But I'm here to remind you—you are in control. You always have been.

Your growth as an official hinges not on external circumstances but on your internal determination. You hold the power to elevate your game, sharpen your mechanics, and increase your court awareness. This is the beauty of officiating: every season is a fresh slate, a new opportunity to showcase your improvements, your adaptability, and your resilience.

So how do you harness this determination? First, start by being humble and honest with yourself. Review your evaluations thoroughly. Identify the feedback—good and bad—and embrace it without defensiveness. Remember, evaluators aren't there to discourage you; they're there to provide the insights necessary for your growth. Look at your evaluations not as criticisms but as tools—useful guides pointing you precisely toward areas where you can develop further.

Once you've identified these areas, commit yourself fully. Attend camps, not just to check a box, but with an eagerness to absorb every bit of knowledge available. Work deliberately on the aspects that need improvement. If it’s your positioning, invest extra time studying film and practicing on-court scenarios. If communication needs work, challenge yourself to engage more proactively in your games and with your partners. The process of getting better is continuous, deliberate, and above all else, intentional.

Above all, stay connected to the process. Maintain humility. Humility does not mean minimizing your achievements; rather, it's about acknowledging there is always more to learn. The best officials I’ve met throughout my career, the ones who consistently perform at high levels, have never stopped learning or believing in their ability to improve.

Congratulations to everyone who possibly qualified for districts, regionals, or state competitions!

Celebrate your achievement but remember to stay grounded. Keep doing what got you there—remain dedicated, hungry, and humble.

To those who didn't quite reach their goal this season, know this: your time will come if you maintain your passion and perseverance. The door is never permanently closed—it may just require a bit more effort and persistence to open.

Every official faces their own unique journey. No matter how long you’ve been at this or where you currently stand, there is always room to grow and new heights to reach. So, keep your head up. Keep pushing forward. The whistle in your hand symbolizes your power, responsibility, and potential. Hold onto it tightly, knowing that every game, every call, every evaluation is another step forward.

Never stop believing in yourself, never stop striving, and never allow temporary setbacks to define your future. You are in control of your journey—embrace it fully, and greatness will follow.