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Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
The answer about liability/responsibility is rather simple. Isn't it?
The officials are responsible for conduct of the game. And, you don't become an official by acquiring a game assignment. You become an official for high school athletics by taking and passing the NFHS Part II test.
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Actually that is not the case for everyone. To get a license in Illinois they do not give out the Part 2 Exam. They get the Part 1 Exam. And it is not just passing a test to get a license. We have to get a criminal background check. We have to send a copy of a State ID or Driver's License with a picture on it. And finally you need 3 references to verify (school representative, coach or officials) that you have good character or they know you to be an acceptable person to officiate high school sports in Illinois.
Quote:
Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
A college freshman/sophmore blinged out and wearing sweats is likely not certified. A derelict off the street is likely not certified either. So for my mind it is not a far stretch to say that if I work with someone that is not certified, I am the only one that is responsible, and therefore liable, for the conduct of the game. I am now responsible for the derelict's (or other future society dropout's) method of conducting the game - his calls, his lack of calls, the collisions that happen in his primary area, the fights that will ensue... All my responsibility/liability.
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Anyone that decides to officiate is responsible for their behavior. You are covered for your actions, not everyone else's actions that officiate. My insurance covers me and my actions, not my partner's actions. If you are working with someone that is not licensed, they are responsible if they get sued and they have no insurance to cover their behavior.
Quote:
Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
There is no way I would work a high school varsity match with such a derelict. Perhaps a Junior high or lesser but I don't think I would work even a JV match that I didn't know the other official had taken the NFHS test (perhaps not passed but at least taken). Sweats maybe for the lower levels. Jewelry - NO WAY.
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I agree that it would not be ideal, but you are telling me you would walk off and not fulfill your contract or obligation because a partner has a necklace on? For the record this was a middle school game, not a varsity game.
Quote:
Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
You want to work? You come properly prepared, in the correct uniform, and at a proper time. If you don't know the correct answer for those three items, then you don't belong here. I can help you later, and I would be happy to help you, but right now I've got to work this game and I'm working it alone.
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Well there are a lot of things that I would consider not properly dressed, but I am not walking off a game because a partner is not wearing what I feel is the improper uniform. Unless I assigned the game, I would not do much of anything. If I have a contract, the contract binds me to work the game, not decide what my partners do or what they wear.
Peace