A referee had a sweet and emotional reaction to a mid-game thank you. The basketball official had difficulty concealing his emotions after being surprised with an unexpected show of appreciation for his many years of service. Watch the short but heartwarming video that shows how the man responded to the loving display of kindness and acknowledgment.

People, Americans especially, absolutely love sports. Put anything competitive on television, and it’s bound to get an audience of adoring and enthusiastic fans. Just look at the continued popularity of networks like ESPN, NBC Sports, and Fox Sports Networks for evidence. People love the idea of competing against one another and determining a winner.

However, people sometimes get carried away and become too concerned about winning and losing. When fans become too invested in a sport and their team isn’t performing up to standard, they will often direct their anger at officials.

But officials are people just trying to do a job. Especially when it comes to high school sports, those men and women often do it for the love of the game. A clip posted on YouTube shows how one school and a crowd showed their appreciation for a referee, a man who has been officiating for more than 50 years.

As it turned out, this game would be his last. To show their appreciation, a time out was called, but it was a ruse, a way for them to say thank you.

“Mr. Mackowski, we did not need a time out,” the person on the public address system says. “Turn and face the crowd. Tonight, Mr. Mackowski officiates his last varsity game after 51 years of officiating. “

At that announcement, the crowd applauds the man for his dedication and service.
As the retiring official turns to the camera, it’s clear that tears have started to well up in his eyes as he mouths, “Thank you.”

What a sweet and simple act that likely meant so much to Mr. Mackowski.

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”