Quote:
Originally posted by JRutledge
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
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Well actually, the officials in my area make it a point to recruit people that
DO look like them since the association is predominately black for basketball and football, that is the case. Michigan has a great Mentor program sponsored by the the MHSAA and it is highly advertised at the schools through the physical ed programs and the athletic offices.
Many times I have heard the comments of praise from even those that might be slightly interested in becoming an official but are not interested in taking the abuse. I try to break the stereotypes and myths about officiating at every opporunity but still find it VERY difficult to recruit new officials let alone get them to stick around for more than one or two seasons.
Why the lack of interest? Perhaps there is no specific answer but it takes a certain level of passion to be an official; passion that requires a significant amount of time and effort to be invested that many are not willing to put forth past the initial honeymoon period -- regardless of color.