After Further Review...
By Beth Volpert-Serrero
GRAYSON – Once a youth volunteer, almost always a youth volunteer. It sort of gets in your blood. For Jeff Heaser, it started the way it usually does, with his own kids. Classroom volunteer, bible study leader, field trips and then the inevitable coaching gig led Jeff Heaser to the world of sports officiating. Currently on the Basketball Board of Directors at Grayson Athletic Association, Jeff has also served as past Assistant and Director of Basketball for GAA.
His officiating career began in 1991 with an introduction to the Atlanta Area Football Officials Association. “The AAFOA is considered one of the best football associations in the state,” comments Heaser. He worked for eleven years officiating everything from Youth Association games to JV and Varsity football games learning what it takes to be a talented official. “I was also privileged to work several playoff games that included two High School State Championship games,” says Heaser of his climb to the next level.
That next level included the opportunity to work small college football games. He was selected to work in the Gulf South Conference in 1999 and 2000. From there, Heaser moved on to the Southern Conference (2001-2007) and also began working in Arena 2 Football (2004 to 2007). Big changes came in early 2008. “I received a phone call to work in the All American Football League for this spring and The Atlantic Coast Conference this coming fall,” says Heaser. “Working at these levels is a dream come true.”
One of the biggest highlights of his officiating career came when he was selected to work a I-AA playoff game. “I flew to Youngstown, Ohio and officiated a game in which Youngstown faced James Madison University and it was televised on ESPN.“ (see photo) Getting to the “big game” takes serious time and commitment. “A lot of young officials do not understand this and want to work the ‘Big Game’ immediately,” says Heaser. He goes on to explain that you have to treat every game as if it were the biggest game of your career. “Work to improve each and every week and those games will come.”
While officiating is his hobby, Heaser is a family man first. “I would not be where I am today without the support of my wife, Stacey.” He adds, “My sons are now at ages where they come to a game or two during the season. It truly is a reward when they can share in this hobby I genuinely love,” reflects Heaser. Officiating has also brought about many life lessons that Heaser has used in raising a family and in dealing with people in every day life. “One of the greatest lessons learned came from a referee named Tommy Giles, Sr., a thirty year veteran of the Southern Conference. “He would always say, ‘Be prepared...always!’ you never know what life brings before you, but preparation can only help with succeeding in life.
And succeeding in life is just what Jeff Heaser is doing. Involved folks have a certain outlook and demeanor that is noticeable. Volunteers almost always seem to be happy people and there is often a story hiding behind that Volunteer just waiting to be told. Know someone who makes a difference? Let us know at info@gwinnettcitizen.com.
