Quote:
Originally posted by Robmoz
In regards to why there are not more black refs getting assignments, I can comment only on what I see here in Detroit. That is simply that there is not a lot of interest in the community to become a ref. More often than not I see a greater interest in coaching than to join the ranks of officiating. I do not believe this is due to a lack of opportunity, quite the contrary since the racial mix here is predominately black including the ranks of officials.
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My question to you is why? Are the officials in that area making an effort to recruit people that do not look like them? One of the associations I belong to is almost entirely Black. They make a lot of efforts to recruit and encourage individuals to become officials in the city. Could they do a better job? Of course they could. But when people see people that are successful that look like them, it allows their mind to imagine they can do the same. I know a lot of people have no idea what it takes to become a ref until they talk to one directly. I was recruited by a friend of mine and he did a lot of things to get me licensed. He even got me into a sport that he did not work. If it was not for him, I would not be here the way I am now. This friend of mine was white, but he did a lot for me that helped me achieve the goals I am currently setting. Mentoring is very important regardless of race or gender. But if you do not make the effort to first let people know what the possibilities are, they might never try. Officiating is a hard thing to get into if you have no one there pushing you or even letting you know what it takes.
Peace