Behind the Stripes: Officials tell their stories

Pictured above: Tim Burke, Steve Reinhart and JB Sullivan during the national anthem before a game.

The men and women in stripes – the people sport fans not only love, but love to hate. Across all sports there are different variations of officials, each coming with nicknames for fans to enjoy. Blue, ump, ref and of course fan favorite “zebra,” to name a few.

Officials come into each game with one objective: to officiate the game fairly. A lot of times it is easier said than done. Officials are under pressure in every game with every call they make. They act as the judge on the field and court, residing to ensure the rules or “laws” are being followed. When one of the rules gets broken, they move in to serve justice. 

In northeastern Pennsylvania, one chapter in particular sees officials that take pride in their love for the game and that pride gets reflected through their officiating. The Northern Tier League (NTL) is home to 12 schools with the furthest two schools being 100 miles from each other. The eastern side of the NTL sees sport chapters of 30 members or less depending on the sport. But even with small numbers, the officials are determined to uphold the rules and bring their best to each game.   

Behind each of these officials, referees or umpires comes a different story with their own perspective on the sports they love.

Jack Carr

For 52 years, Jack Carr has been the driving force behind officials in the NTL. An official for basketball, baseball and softball, starting to officiate wasn’t a thought for him until the opportunity presented itself.  

“I had a dream as a young kid to be a professional baseball player as many kids did and that wasn’t going to happen. I then took my first teaching job and I wanted to coach baseball and basketball,” Jack Carr said. “The baseball coach has been there for a few years and won a few championships so I wasn’t going to have an opportunity there and the basketball coach went on to win two state titles so my path there wasn’t looking very good.”

Back when Jack Carr got his first umpiring gig, umpires were supplied by the schools themselves and they rotated what school their umps went to each game. 

“The principal one day came to me one day and said ‘Could you umpire a baseball game for us in Montrose? It’s going to be Montrose and Mt. View and we got to supply an umpire,’ so that was my first game,” Jack Carr said. “He got back to me the next day and said, ‘I talked to Montrose and they thought it went really well, but you did lose count on the one batter. Maybe instead of stones to keep track of balls and strikes you should get an indicator!’”

Fast forward 52 years and Jack Carr has compiled an incredible career including over a dozen district championship games for basketball and baseball while also being part of three Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state championship crews for baseball, with the latest being last season.

“The last one here in 2019 was a 2-1 ballgame and it was a great game. Greenwood and West Middlesex and Middlesex was behind 1-0 in the sixth inning and they came back and won it,” Jack Carr said. “It was a great game to be part of and there were a couple of close plays that I had.”

Perhaps the greatest moment in Jack’s career was when his son, Jeff Carr, followed in his footsteps and became an official.

“It’s terrific, I don’t think there is any better feeling for any father to see a son come along and want to do the same thing. I’m fortunate, not all get an opportunity but I do,” Jack Carr said. “The last few years I try to make sure we work a game together because I enjoy working with him, he’s good at officiating and its terrific. It is one of my thrills of being an official.”

Jack and Jeff Carr before a game at Northeast Bradford

Jeff Carr

Staying in the “family business,” Jeff first started officiating in 1994 after watching his father do it for years prior.

“It’s pretty exciting. I remember being eight years old and going to games idolizing my dad being out there, in charge and having control of some of the bigger games at the time,” Jeff Carr said. “Years later being able to work beside him, it’s neat to participate in that as a family.”

A basketball player in college, Jeff Carr wanted to stay active in the game while also helping provide for his family. 

“I can remember being a young father out of college with two young boys, and frankly I made more money officiating games at night than at my day job at the bank,” Jeff Carr said. “It was a great way to exercise and stay in the game and provide for my family. It became a lot about making ends meet back in the day but now it really has nothing to do about money.”

Jeff Carr was part of an NTL crew that officiated a game between Bloomsburg and North Star in the second round of the PIAA state championships this season. What the crew didn’t know was that win or lose, it would be the last game of the season for both teams.

“I don’t think we had any indication at that point that they were going to shut things down. The virus was starting to ramp up a little bit and there were rumblings that they were some sports that were making some changes,” Jeff Carr said. “We as a crew were talking and thinking that they might not get another game but we were still hopeful.” 

Off the court, Jeff Carr is also the president of the Northern Tier League (NTL) basketball chapter and encourages those who have a love for the game to get involved.

“It’s a great way to stay active, make a little money and build friendships that are going to last a lifetime,” Jeff Carr said.

John Brian (JB) Sullivan

A multi-sport official, JB Sullivan has worked over a decade in basketball and soccer in the NTL. Wanting to stay in the game, JB also saw family ties in the officiating tree that motivated him to become an official.

“My grandfather officiated for a long time,” Sullivan said. “When you’re done playing in school and you still love sports and you want to be a part of it, officiating is a good way to do it.” 

JB also officiates alongside his wife Colleen, making them an officiating duo on the court.

“It’s certainly an interesting dynamic as far as you’re always partners with the people you officiate with and your teammates,” Sullivan said. “When you have a connection like that it takes it to another level.”

Along with Jeff Carr, JB was also a member of the NTL crew that officiated the Bloomsburg North Star state playoff game this season.

“Our game was in Bellefonte [Pennsylvania] and we went out to eat after the game and the [Atlantic Costal Conference] Tournament was still playing that night but before we made it home the NBA had suspended their season,” Sullivan said. “At the start of the game I didn’t expect that it was going to be the last one for the PIAA tournament.” 

Even with state playoff games and three district championship games under his belt, Sullivan still feels the same excitement with each game he officiates.

“When that ball goes up, right before you have those butterflies and you’re saying ‘Ok, we are going to go out here and do the best job that we can,’” Sullivan said. “I love the competitiveness and seeing the athletes improve and also the fellow officials and myself improve.”

Steve Reinhart

As a 39-year veteran, Steve Reinhart first began officiating in 1974 and worked for 37 years before taking a break. Now, Reinhart has been back on the court for two years and is showing no signs of slowing down.

“I wanted to stay active in the game. I always liked the game and I knew my playing days were limited but I felt like I knew the game well enough to call it so I became an official,” Reinhart said.

In 39 years, Reinhart has seen a lot of competitive games with top teams in the league, including one in particular for the NTL Championship.

“There was a night that Troy and Athens played for an NTL Championship in the old Towanda Middle School. There were 1200 to 1300 people there,” Reinhart said. “The place was packed and standing room only. The game was excellent and [there was] a phenomenal basketball atmosphere all night long.”

Aside from officiating, Reinhart has also seen another perspective of the game as a coach. His time as a coach only furthered his love of the game.

“I enjoy going to the games and socializing with other referees, and I know most of the coaches,” Reinhart said. “Over the years we gained mutual respect for each other. I’ve been in situations coaching wise that they all have been in so I get it.”

Dave Tewksbury

Another veteran official in the NTL, Tewksbury completed his 23rd year as a basketball official and 17th as a softball official.

“Being in sports most my life, I saw the opportunity to give back to the kids because I always looked up at the officials when I was going through school,” Tewksbury said. “Now it was my chance to play the role and see the athletes as they go through school.”

A member of many district crews over the years, Tewksbury continues to achieve his goal of giving back to the athletes through officiating and coaching. His biggest accomplishment through all the years was being able to watch the athletes themselves. 

“My biggest joy I get out of officiating is watching the kids grow and develop from junior high to seniors. I do enjoy watching them come along as they progress in the game,” Tewksbury said.

Tewksbury knows firsthand what it’s like to be on top of the sports world. Tewksbury was a member of the 1977 state championship basketball team for Elk Lake and is especially empathetic toward the athletes who were so close to also achieving this accomplishment, but saw the chance slip away when the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’ve thought about that a lot and how that would have affected me back then. I know as a kid I would have been thrilled to be out of school part of the year and still be graduating but not to have that opportunity, it’s terrible,” Tewksbury said. “They got the chance to be in playoffs and basketball was almost there and then to shut it down, I feel really bad for them because for most of them it’s a chance of lifetime and they won’t get that chance again.”

Tim Burke

A longtime PIAA official, Tim Burke finished his 30th season as a basketball official and his 20th season for softball. Burke starting officiating during his time in college at Mansfield University.

“It was a way to stay in the game and make some extra money at the time when I was in college,” Burke said. “I was in the game and being paid for it so I was like a professional athlete, well not quite at 13 bucks a game back then.”

After 30 years in the stripes, Burke still enjoys watching athletes develop over the course of their careers and creating many friendships with other officials over the years.

“I love being involved in those great games and seeing the talent and athletes,” Burke said. “Watching them and saying ‘Wow, they made that play?’ and then there’s also the camaraderie with fellow officials.”

A PIAA softball state championship umpire, Burke had hopes of getting back to the title game once again this season. With the PIAA canceling spring sports, Burke will have to look forward to possibly getting the chance next year.

“I was a little disappointed,” Burke said. “I had high hopes to get back to a state title game this year and looking forward to seeing some of the teams that were coming up and the teams that were supposed to be good this season.”

And if you are thinking about being an official, Burke has one piece of advice for you: don’t listen to the fans.

“Ignore everything that is being said to you from the stands and sidelines because they aren’t yelling at you. They are yelling at the game so don’t take it personally,” Burke said. 

Jim Schools

A coach turned referee, Jim Schools has been a basketball official for six years total. Schools first started officiating while still coaching basketball and was looking for a new view on the game. 

“I thought becoming an official would give me a different perspective on the game as a coach. I thought I could use this in my coaching and see how and why officials react officials react certain ways on the court that I wouldn’t see coaching,” Schools said.

Aside from officiating, Schools also serves as the head coach for the Wyalusing cross country and track and field teams. After a successful 2019 campaign, the track and field team can only wonder what could have been for this season.

“I was extremely disappointed for the seniors. We as coaches year in and year out get to experience the sport and the emotions that go with it,” Schools said. “All the planning and all the successes and the downs. These kids only have a short amount of time to experience that.”

Over the years, Schools’ teams have compiled numerous NTL and district titles, but the biggest joy from coaching comes from the athletes themselves. 

“My favorite memories are when athletes improve and do something they never thought they could do through hard work,” Schools said. “Seeing kids accomplish this and obviously breaking records and qualifying for states is great, but it is really about the working with the kids and seeing their improvement and doing things they thought they couldn’t do.”

With track being cancelled for the season, Schools is hopeful for a return in sports by the cross country season. With the athletes and coaches in uncharted waters with the coronavirus, the team is hoping to start practicing soon. 

“June 1st is normally when we really start ramping up for cross country so until then we probably won’t do anything. We don’t want to add another stress to the kids,” Schools said. “We don’t want them to go, ‘I just took a test now I have to go run five miles,’ we don’t want that, so we want them to use whatever running as a stress reliever.”

Anthony Roberts

That’s right! Yours truly is also a sports official in Pennsylvania and also out in Long Island. This year would have been my third for baseball and softball and I completed my second for basketball.

I’ve enjoyed every sport I have been around, either as a fan, a player or from announcing the game. I knew I wanted to continue my love for sports, and during my senior year I talked to Jack Carr about officiating during warmups for a basketball game at Wyalusing. That spring I was an umpire for baseball and softball and I loved it. During the baseball banquet at the end of that season it took little convincing for me to get licensed in basketball.

There’s something about having a close play at first base or running down the court on a fast-break that is truly exhilarating. It’s absolutely amazing. You get the best seat in the house for some great games and amazing head-scratching plays.

One of the best parts of officiating is the endless friendships you create, whether it’s with other officials or the coaches. These friendships with others who share the same love of the sport that you do is incredible. If I’m not officiating one night, I’ll call up another official and see if they’ve got a game, and if they do I’ll go watch that game.

If you even have a thought about maybe officiating, try it out! If you have a love for the game and want to be part of the game, then test it out and see if you like it. I never would have imagined how much more I’d love the game from officiating.

Behind the stripes 

Beyond all the stories are the friendships and memories that officials have throughout the years. From debating plays and calls to laughing over different scenarios we encounter throughout the games, the memories and friendships you make are what makes officiating one of the most unique aspects of sports. With all the games throughout the season, you never know what you are going to encounter. 

Jack Carr: “Many years ago, in Towanda, back when Sullivan County was in the league, the two had played in Sullivan and they had some problems. Now Sullivan is coming to Towanda and I have the game. We are getting dressed and the athletic director comes in and says ‘Now gentleman, I want you to call the game tight. We don’t want any problems. Call it tight,’ Well, 99 fouls later. Nine people fouled out of the game, there was only one starter left for either side and we finished the game. It went to overtime and Towanda won the game. Two days later I’m at Northeast Bradford for the game and the opponent is Sullivan County. They were warming up before the game and the Sullivan coach is next to me and says to me, ‘I thought you did a heck of a job the other night, but did you bring your whistle tonight or are we going to be able to play!?’”

Steve Reinhart: “I refed a game up at Athens and they were playing Towanda in an important game for the NTL championship. It was late in the game and a kid from Athens intercepts a pass and it was a kid who was capable of dunking the ball. The kid goes down to dunk the ball and he hit the back of the rim with it. Well, the ball rebounded, and the ball came off the rim about 30 feet in the air and at an angle that sent it out to the center of the court. There a kid from Towanda standing there and he caught the ball. There’s another Towanda kid breaking down the court and he passed the ball to him and he went down and scored a layup, and Towanda ended up winning by one or two points. 

Dave Tewksbury: “A kid, out in Elk Lake, on the other team was shooting at Elk Lake’s basket after a steal and a kid from Elk Lake fouled him. The outcome of that is it’s not a shooting foul because he was shooting at the wrong basket and so they got the ball out of bounds. That’s something out of the ordinary and you really don’t see.” 

JB Sullivan: “Something I’ve never seen until this past season was Liberty at Northeast and I’m administering a free throw and all of a sudden, a water bottle comes flying onto the floor. Well we had no idea where it came from and who threw it until we turn and see a fight break out in the stands between the Northeast and Liberty fans.”

Tim Burke: “One year I was doing softball, one umpire never showed up to a game so Northeast called me and asked to do the game and I said, ‘Geez, I have to be in Towanda at five so I wouldn’t be able to get there till 5:45’ so I said to call other guys. This was when games still started at five. They called me back and said, ‘They can’t do it, can you do it?’  and I said ‘I can come but I’m in a t-shirt and shorts.’ So, I get there and everybody’s cheering, ‘Yay! You’re here!’ and bottom of the first inning I called out a Northeast girl at first [base] and ‘Boo! Burke you should have stayed home!’ so here I am going from the hero to the zero on one close call.”

Jeff Carr: “This was in the old Athens gym: one of the players dads was a doctor and he happened to also be a guy who likes to yell and chirp during games. Well, he was sitting behind the bench and at halftime he was in the locker-room treating a player. Now it’s the second half of the game and Jim Davis was coaching Athens and this guy starts screaming at me and I turn to Davis and said, ‘he’s part of your bench, control him.’ He didn’t control the situation so I whacked him with a technical.”

Our message to the athletes:

Jack Carr: “For the seniors, I’m sorry they didn’t get to play their last game. Take away all the good memories and be able to look back 30 years from now and look on those good memories. For the others, you got time to work on your game and get better for the next season.” 

Jim Schools: “You have to keep hope that we are going to come back. But don’t in your mind set artificial dates to when you will come back. You got to keep the hope that you’re going to come back, but don’t make it ‘we will be back July 4’ and then get your hopes up. Don’t set that date and get so disappointed when it doesn’t happen, it’s a Stockdale Paradox.”

Steve Reinhart: “I’m really sorry. The point in time where they got cut short was just awful. Just two games away from state championship games, so to have the rug pulled from under them, it just isn’t a good thing to have happen to you. It is what it is but if it is the worst thing that happens to you in your life that will be a good thing.” 

JB Sullivan: “I can’t imagine what I would have done if this happened to me. I knew how important sports were to me and I feel terrible and sincere empathy to all of the athletes. It’s a situation that was not of their making and my heart goes out to them. Sports teaches us how to deal with adversity and this is a prime example of that.”

These are interesting times in the sports world. With everything at a halt, we are unsure if and when we will be able to come back. To the seniors, we are very sorry that this is how your senior years went, and we enjoyed being part of your careers. To the underclassmen, just remember, when sports do come back and the seasons start again, we will still be here. 

Officiating brings out a new appreciation for the game. If you love a sport and are thinking of becoming an official, then go for it! The experiences you have and the friendships you make are more than worth it. Each official has their own unique perspective of the game and has their own story beyond the stripes.