This is Vanese Ferguson with Coffee Talk. If you are thinking about doing something good in your community that also contributes to your own fitness – consider officiating for sports.  The Wall Street Journal recently had an article on sports officials that regardless of which sport there is a shortage of officials – your ref’s, umpires…  Shortages that have led to canceled games or are played with fewer officials or perhaps the officials are under qualified.  But it’s not just a person wanting to give back to the community and the game of their preference but it’s the parents, the spectators who also need to step up.  How many times have we heard about the terrible behavior of parents at hockey games?  Or disrespect shown by coaches perhaps when they step over the line a bit. Hockey Canada has an ‘Intro to Officiating’ online course.  Saskatoon Minor Hockey has online modules & exams. Maybe it’s soccer – Saskatoon and District Referee Association Inc – you can register for a Referee online course. If you don’t have someone wearing stripes at game.  You don’t have a game.  It can be thankless and it shouldn’t be, because it is an essential part of sports.