Schonhose

Another season has almost come to an end. Usually this is a good time to start reflecting on what I would like to do next season. Looking back on last season I have to say that it was totally lost. I meant to play again at the start of this season and talked it over with the coach. Unfortunately for me he wanted to focus more on the younger guys and he had a full roster (in hindsight: one never showed up and another left halfway through the season). So basically I was asked to sit this season out.

That was it, I’ve lost my interest in basketball right there at that moment. I did attend some practices at the start but I never felt like having fun. After a while I just stopped practicing and tried to focus on officiating. This was the second season I had to watch from the sidelines. Earlier I decided to sit one season out mostly because this way all my injuries (e.g. knee, shoulder and ankles) could heal properly. And here I was, fully healed and sitting on the sidelines again.

Looking back I realized the decision at the start of the season had a major impact on my attitude towards the game. I wanted to give it another chance, despite the difficulties I had in my first year. I really wanted to set aside all I have learned and wanted to try to fit in the scheme. It wouldn’t be easy, things surely were different compared to where I came from.

After a couple of months I realized I started to miss playing basketball. I realized I wanted (perhaps even needed) to play the game. But it was clear from the start my current team wasn’t the place for me anymore. I gave up on the idea I needed to fit in, the idea I needed to abandon all I know. I just wanted to play, start having fun again on the court.

To find out my true feelings I started out working with my old team again, amazingly having fun every time I stepped on the court. It felt like a homecoming but I knew it wasn’t going to work for a whole season because of the distance. So that is why I started to look around for other teams I wanted to play with. I attended some practicing sessions of a couple of teams and I hoped to find a team with a familiar playing style. A team where I would feel at home. Luckily I managed to find such a team and I have been practicing with them for a few months. I’m starting to have fun again, although I tend to miss some shots and my condition is not all that good. But these things can be worked on during the off-season and I’m determined to get myself in shape again.

A couple of weeks ago I made the decision that this is the last year with my current team. And that is not all, here in the Netherlands you have to officiate for a sportsclub. Any sportsclub that wants to play on a high level needs to provide one or two officials. This season I was one of those officials they needed to provide. I also made the decision the current season is the last season I will be officiating for them.

Will I be officiating in the upcoming season? I don’t know. Will I be playing in the upcoming season? Yes, definitely! Am I happy with my decisions? You bet ya! It sure feels good to be on the court again!