Players and fans are not the only people who get excited when it comes time to take the field for a big game. Officials can be equally enthusiastic.

“There’s nothing like high school field hockey,” said Kim Ballantyne, moments after officiating Saturday’s Class A state championship between Bonny Eagle and Skowhegan. “I absolutely love it.”

The Gorham resident has been a field hockey referee for 23 years, working both high school and college games. She says that, despite what some might say, officials in the sport try their best to keep the action moving.

“You want to let the flow of the game go, so if somebody fouls you don’t immediately blow your whistle. You let the kids play,” said Ballantyne. “You hold your whistle and put your arm up and hope they can play through.”

Of course, if the team that commits the foul gains possession of the ball, the ref has got to chime in.

As for her preparation before taking the field, Ballantyne feels that focusing on the task at hand is key.

“You just have to be mentally into the game…be ready for it. That’s probably the most important piece of it,” said the 49-year-old mother of three. “Also, it’s very important to be in good shape so that you can run up and down the field.”

Though field hockey is the only game Ballantyne has officiated so far, she is thinking about working lacrosse games next spring.