“Whistle while you work.” That’s what one of my mentors routinely told me as I trained to become a better football official. He would remind me that, even at your lowest point, when it feels like the whole world is against you, it is important to remember the reason you are there.
At first, I didn’t see how this related to officiating. Not only did it sound childish, but it also did not sound like great advice for someone standing in the middle of a chaotic football game. But over time, I realized the deeper wisdom in his words.
Even amid shouting coaches and deafening crowds, I needed to remember why officiating mattered to me in order to succeed. For me, it is the sense of fairness, the precision of applying the rules and the satisfaction of knowing that I am giving back to a sport that did so much for me growing up.
This lesson doesn’t just make me a better official; it also shapes how I approach my career in law. As a law student and future attorney, the same principle applies: Find what you love about being an attorney, and let it guide you through the challenging moments. But staying grounded and positive in a demanding profession does not happen in isolation—it’s often the passions we pursue outside of work that give us the clarity and perspective we need to thrive in our legal careers.
Why hobbies aren’t just a pastime—they’re a legal asset
Hobbies aren’t just a break from work; they build skills and provide valuable lessons for our careers. In fact, one study indicates that creative pursuits help professionals recover from stress and improve performance. In a profession where burnout is so common, it is vital for attorneys to pursue interests outside of the law to recharge, approach work feeling refreshed and, ultimately, serve their clients more effectively.
I’m not suggesting every lawyer should officiate football, but to encourage them to pursue fulfilling passions beyond the law. While there are countless activities lawyers can explore outside of work, my story as a football official is an example of how passions and hobbies outside of the law can perfect and complement legal training and professionalism.
How football officiating has improved my legal skills
During law school, I have spent countless hours officiating football games across Tennessee, from high school to college scrimmages. Like lawyers, officials rely on structured rules. Lawyers use statutes and precedents, while officials use a rulebook and casebook. But not every situation is black and white. Just as lawyers analyze complex legal issues and advocate for outcomes, officials assess plays and communicate decisions. Both roles demand a deep understanding of the rules and the ability to make confident decisions under pressure.
Due to the similarities between the two, it is no wonder that many professional sports referees are attorneys. The skills it takes to become a better football official go hand in hand with becoming a better attorney. Plus, it is a fantastic way to stay in shape, especially when you’re sprinting to the goal line trying to outrun the fastest high school prospect in Tennessee.
I have identified a few major ways that football officiating has improved my legal career.
Tyler Rapper. (Photo by Big Orange Professional Photography)Better communication
A great football official is a great communicator. Officials must efficiently explain rulings to coaches, going beyond basic statements like “Coach, No. 55 was holding.” A skilled communicator instead clarifies: “Coach, at the point of attack, No. 55 illegally hooked and restricted the defender from reaching the ball carrier.” Using precise rule book language helps coaches understand the violation. Even when faced with an angry coach, an official must stay calm and restate the rule.
Similarly, attorneys must cite statutes or caselaw to argue persuasively. Even if opposing counsel is upset, an attorney must remain composed, rely on the law and clearly articulate their position. Just as a well-communicated explanation helps a coach understand a call, a lawyer’s ability to reference specific legal authority strengthens their argument. Football officiating has shown me that whether on the field or in the courtroom, effective communication is key to earning respect, maintaining credibility and resolving disputes.
Improved decision-making under pressure
Football officials are tasked with making split-second decisions for both routine and complicated situations. Determining the correct penalty enforcement after a play involving multiple penalties, a change of possession and a timing issue can be incredibly challenging. As an official, any time spent on the field trying to make a ruling after a play feels like an eternity. Seconds feel like minutes, and minutes feel like hours, especially when the stadium loudspeaker starts playing Jeopardy! music.
Officials must make accurate calls while communicating effectively in high-stakes situations. In football, this means quickly assessing key factors: who committed the foul, when and where it occurred and the play’s outcome. A skilled official won’t just say, “I have pass interference on No. 12,” but instead reports, “The result of the play is an incomplete pass. During the throw, I have defensive pass interference on No. 12 on the 35-yard line.” This precision ensures the referee has all the necessary information to make the correct ruling under pressure.
Similarly, attorneys also make split-second decisions in trials and negotiations. Officiating has taught me that preparation, rule mastery and confidence are key to handling pressure. I’ve applied these principles in law school, and I know they will serve me well as an attorney.
Career-defining lessons
Finally, one of the greatest benefits of officiating is the life lessons it has taught me. I have been fortunate to have mentors who took me under their wing, teaching me not only how to grow as an official but also how to become a better professional, friend and person.
While I’ve learned many lessons applicable to my legal career, once I understood the meaning of “Whistle while you work,” I applied it to my legal work. Even when the hours are long and the impact feels small, it’s important to remember why you became an attorney: to advocate, seek justice and make a difference. In moments of doubt or exhaustion, recalling that purpose is crucial. Whistling while you work isn’t just about finding joy in the task: It’s about embracing the privilege of doing meaningful work, even when it’s hard.
And these lessons and skills that improve our professional life can be found outside of football. Other sports, the visual arts, writing, traveling and other hobbies share the common thread of refreshing us, challenging us and teaching us rules and skills that will become invaluable to our careers and personal flourishing. All it takes is some commitment, some learning and some whistling.
Find hobbies that not only allow you to reset but also improve on the skills that have already made you a great attorney.
Tyler Rapper is a third-year law student at the University of Tennessee College of Law and will be sitting for the Tennessee bar exam in July. After graduation, he will clerk for Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. In addition to his legal career, Rapper is a TSSAA high school football official and is currently training to officiate at the college level.
ABAJournal.com is accepting queries for original, thoughtful, nonpromotional articles and commentary by unpaid contributors to run in the Your Voice section. Details and submission guidelines are posted at “Your Submissions, Your Voice.”
This column reflects the opinions of the author and not necessarily the views of the ABA Journal—or the American Bar Association.
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