By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

John Solomon brought his family to work on Tuesday, but his wife Mamie and his son John Brandon were doing much more than sitting and watching.

The Solomon family worked their first volleyball match together as a family Tuesday during Meadowview’s fourth volleyball match of the season. The match marked John Brandon’s first sporting event he’s officiated. His mother and father have a few years of experience on him.

It was a fun experience. It was like old times when they were watching me, critiquing me with everything I do, but I enjoyed it.”

John Brandon works as the head coach of Southside’s baseball team, but during the offseason, he had nothing to do. His parents encouraged him to start officiating.

John Brandon’s father John created the Selma Volleyball Official’s Association roughly a decade ago and has been working hard each year to make sure there are enough officials to call the games around Dallas County and some surrounding areas.

Since many public schools around the area have recently added volleyball teams—most recently Southside this season—John Solomon has been trying to recruit more officials to help with the bigger schedule.

He didn’t have to look far to find his newest recruit.

We come to his games, help him with his snacks and help him do anything else a parent could do for their child while he’s coaching,” John said. “And then the payback is he comes and helps me with volleyball.”

John convinced Mamie to start officiating with him three years ago and she has loved it ever since. She really enjoys it now that John Brandon is a part of their crew. Mamie said she was there to assist her husband when he needed more officials and she’s glad John Brandon came to help too.

“I’m very proud of my son and I also am proud of my husband for being patient with both of us and teaching us the techniques,” Mamie said.

John officiates five other sports in addition to volleyball, He and Mamie are hopeful that John Brandon can learn other sports after he becomes an expert in volleyball.

While the family enjoyed the moment of officiating their first game together, Mamie already has the future planned out.

“When [John] retires, John Brandon can take over and I can be on the sidelines being the cheerleader,” Mamie said.