As we enter into the last weekend of basketball, I would be negligent if I did not mention the contribution of Rick Skayhan’s Basketball Officiating program.  Ref Corps is the name of the program our officials sign up through.  Ref Corps was begun a few years ago when CYO transferred management of officials to Rick Skayhan, avid CYO supporter.

Nothing is as controversial as an official!  That may be an understatement!  CYO believes in teaching young people to become officials primarily because we are the “Catholic Youth Organization.”  Everyone has to start somewhere and in my opinion, if you cannot get a good start at CYO then where can you?

Officiating takes a special person.  You have to have the courage to go out on the court and make the tough calls.  You have to deal with the crowd who collectively have many more eyeballs than you do and see much more than you are able to see with only two eyeballs!  Additionally the coaches, players and spectators bring a wide range of variables to every game.

CYO is as dependent upon the officials willingness to officiate as we are on the coaches willingness to coach.  The young people who have been stepping forward to learn to become officials are great kids.  If they are able to make it through the first year or two, they will realize what a gift officiating is to them.

Officiating develops characteristics in youth that contribute to strong character.  It will help establish personal boundaries that may one day pay off  in a tough situation.  Officials are better equipped to say “no” when necessary.  Some people are too afraid to say “no.”  What a great gift to send your son or daughter off to college with!

Thank you to all of our officials who have helped us out with Football, Volleyball and basketball this year.  Several Track and Field Officials are needed this spring so be sure to contact Rick Skayhan at Ref Corps if you are interested.  Four track meets per Saturday throughout April with Championships in May.

Sr. Krista and CYO Official, Kyle Garcia at the CYO Championships 2015

Ronnie Ford, CYO Basketball and Football official for 15 years

Rick Skayhan visits with Casey Nicholl and Riley Pendergast, two officials he has coached up through the Ref Corps Officiating program.