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Originally posted by JRutledge
Quote:
Originally posted by Smitty
Evidently when someone questions your opinion, they need to lighten up. That's real fair of you. I am referring to the specific comment you made that you might talk to someone for a couple minutes during the 15 minute warm-up period. I find this to be quite unprofessional. That's my opinion. Just like your opinion was that it's unprofessional to come to the gym in uniform. Talking to someone briefly or acknowledging a friend for a few seconds is different than engaging in a 2 minute conversation. We're all entitled to our opinions, aren't we?
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If you want to debate the "how you come dressed to the game issue" you are more than welcome to in the other post. It is still open and you can voice your opinion there.
I think talking to fans, coaches and players all have a time and a place. During most warm-ups, where we stand is usually a direct line of fan traffic (at least in games I have worked). I do not have to move and fans are walking all around me and my partners. It is not unusual that someone will say something during that time or say hi. It is not unusual that fellow officials will say hi or greet you at that time. Even when I go to the table to check the book, it is not totally out of the question that some fan will say something as I am at the table. Of course you are entitled to your opinion about what is professional and what is not, but I do not see an outcry for not speaking to fans across the board as they do about how you come to a basketball game. Most officials that have any sense realize that talking to someone that approaches you is very different than going out of your way to have a conversation. As a matter of fact many times an AD or coach will come and talk to the officials during the warm-up period. What should we do, run away from them? If you want to compare apples and oranges be my guest. Professionalism has many layers and is based a lot one where you live and what is acceptable in that area. It is not considered unprofessional to talk to fans in specific situations. Now if I go into the stands and sit by a fan and carry on a conversation, that is very different than them asking me a question about a call and I was just standing there. I like to be personable and being professional is also showing that you are open to people you come in contact with. It is not being a professional treating people as if they are in the way when they come and say something to you.
Peace
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Could always wear your headphones out there so you have an excuse for ignoring fans that greet you.LOL
I agree with JR, don't go looking for conversation but a Hey, have fun. Or something is fine. Just don't ask an open ended question that opens the door to conversation. I tend to smile and "head shake". Ignoring people will make you seem more like the jackarse that some already think we are.