Quote:
Originally posted by MarionTiger
Well, I AM new to this board, and have not officiated in several years.
I think you guys are being way to harsh on LDUB.
As a coach, I make a point of shaking the Umpire's hand before he leaves no matter how inept he or she was that day. It's like work...when the game is over, we're all adults. If it was a good game in my opinion, then I say so. If not, I just say thanks...and I mean it.
I also think it is very important for the kids, especially the little ones, to see coaches and umpires reconcile (well, that kind of implies arguing, which shouldn't happen either) after the game to show good sportsmanship.
After reading some of your posts...if officiating is so thankless and even hostile for you that you have to throw balls on the ground and run to your car, then you need to find a new league or get some support from the league administrators. You shouldn't have to do that. Just my 2 cents...I'm sure I will now be flamed.
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I don't throw balls on the ground, but I don't stick around waiting for a handshake and a "good game, blue." I don't stick around and supervise the "line em up handshake" because that's not my job. If a fight breaks out on the field, that is also not my concern once I'm off the field -- there ARE adults present to supervise the kids before and after the game -- why would I want to put myself in that situation?
I usually hand the balls to the first home player I see and then walk with purpose off the field towards my car.
You coach little kids and you and your fellow coaches may be AOK when it comes to sportsmanship and telling the umpire you appreciate the job he did. But as a general rule, no good can come out of the umpire sticking around. At the higher levels, especially if there have been some controversial calls during the game, you're just asking for a cheap shot from a coach, player, spectator, etc.
Get in. Get done. Get out. Get your pats on the back at home.
--Rich