Often overlooked by students, teachers have multiple titles outside of the classroom beyond Mr. or Mrs. For Mr. Mark Begey and Mr. Mark Beerends, that includes ref.

Both play a role in shaping learning so that students benefit.

Mr. Begey, an instructional coach said: “We work with students and teachers in classrooms, working with strategies to help improve student learning. We provide professional development and serve on leadership teams within the school.”

Mr. Beerends said, “I am a special ed teacher, and I work in co-taught classes in classrooms that need extra support. I meet with Mr. Begey sometimes to see how to help students to the best of both of our abilities.”

However, these teachers ditch their day jobs at the high school to become refs by night. They referee different sports across different levels. Mr. Begey has been officiating since high school at the community level and refereeing high school baseball for 10 years, volleyball for five years, and basketball for eight. Mr. Beerends is entering his ninth season of college baseball and 10th of high school baseball. He also finished his ninth year of football.

The variety of levels and sports allows for Mr. Begey, to think about what he likes and dislikes about each.

Mr. Begey said: “They all have perks and drawbacks. In volleyball, I don’t have to move a lot, which is good and bad because it is less exercise. In basketball, there’s a lot of movement with the players, so I would have to say that is the most difficult to officiate. Baseball is much warmer outside which is nice.”

Since they do officiate games within the community, it could possibly intersect with their teaching careers regarding their relationships with the students and how they are treated.

One time while officiating sophomore and varsity games at Davenport North, the Muscatine student section began a chant of “we love you Begey,” which could be problematic to an outsider if they were to perceive the ref was biased and showing preferential treatment in officiating.

“I could not let them know that I worked there so the other student section didn’t think there was a bias with me officiating the game. My relationship with the vast amount of students is positive. I don’t think it is better or worse because I’m an official,” said Mr. Begey.

Mr. Beerends finds that his refereeing has a positive effect on his relationships at school. “There was an ejection from the opposing coach, “he said: “It kinda did well for me because it interfered. Students and teachers would come up to me and ask how it played out. I’d have to say the same thing for my relationship with the students. I try to keep the same positive relationship and lead with an example on the field and in the classroom.”

Students may be curious as to what it would look like if they became referees.

“I think that pursuing officiating as a career could be complicated. It’s more of a hobby or a side job. It’s helpful money and you really have to enjoy the sports that you are officiating. Reach out to people who are officiating so it’s a smoother process and easier to learn,” said Mr. Begey.