[JRutledge]

Originally posted by nine01c

The reason for this, in most cases (not all), is that the assignors are only concerned with putting bodies into games to fill slots (I mean bodies wearing black and white stripes). From the Superintendent to the Principal to the A.D. to the Janitor, no one REALLY cares about girls' sports. Although there have been many girls' programs offered for the past twenty years or so, they are still viewed as "activities" to give the girls something to do (by law). Therefore, referees officiating girls will not really be taken seriously, even the ones that ARE excellent.

This viewpoint is denied, as people want to appear politically correct, but a change of attitude can't be forced or legislated. This overall attitude and image that go with the girls games is a big part of why refs refuse them. Some feel they must ref the boys side to get good games and work up to their fullest potential. On the other hand, there are refs who choose to do girls only, perhaps because there is less pressure and stress involved. I do think there is an underlying, although subtle, negative attitude towards girls (only) refs. The text above is my OPINION only, and I am specifically referring to the Northeast. Other parts of the country may be very different.

I completely agree with that take on this issue. But I think that if women as a whole support their own sports on the scale of Men's and Boy's sports, the girls might have a bigger interest. I do not think we should apologize for not watching or wanting to participate. One of the reasons that the WUSA folded this past week and the WNBA barely got a blur on the TV. It is clear what basketball officials feel about it here, no one talked about it most of the season. We talked about the NBA Western Conference Finals Game 6 for almost a year after that game took place. Many of the guys that officiate never played when they were in HS, let alone college. Where are all the women that played translate into officiating? Or better yet, coaching? And we are just starting to see the coaches numbers go up. If I am not mistaken, not a single women has coached an WNBA Championship team.

Peace