[runonmt]

deecee:
Although I frequently read to improve my knowledge, I rarely post on this site. On issues that are actually relative to officiating, someone generally posts what I would have stated (and usually much better) or I am not brash enough to believe my limited experience would add any gravity to the debate. As neither of these conditions has developed with your post about freshman officials, I’m compelled to respond to your comments.

I began officiating to continue my long-term love affair with this game. I played in grade, middle and high school, college and in those infamous adult leagues. I coached all of my kids’ teams in rec, select and AAU leagues. I was also fortunate enough to watch every game that one played at the JV and V level in high school. At 48 I found myself without a game to play, coach or watch and made the move to the “dark side” as an official. I attended clinics and camps, studied the rule and casebooks and did one season of rec ball before doing any high school games. I’m now in my fourth year of working high school games. I provide this information only as a background that I would hope shows a love and good understanding of the game.

I work in a large metro area that has two major officials associations and many, many good officials (most of whom would not know me if I walked up and bit them in the butt). Although I’ve kept myself in very good physical condition I recognize my limitations. Including the normal aging issue, I’ve had a hip replacement and lost speed in my sprint. Consequently, I knew from the start that by the time I had the experience to work varsity level games I'd have few years left and difficulty with the speed of the game at that level. This and my work schedule led me to a decision to do only freshman and JV games. Even so, I continue to do everything I can to improve my rules knowledge and game management skills. I give 100% at every game for the entire 28 minutes and work hard to get the right angles and make the correct calls. Most of the partners I’ve worked with do the same (MANY are varsity level officials who help the assignor fill out the 4 PM games before they pull a 7:30 PM V game).

Here’s my point: There are many decent, competent officials working freshman games. They almost always work hard and get the calls correct the vast majority of the time. In my experience (as an official AND a coach) the problem almost always lies with the coach and players. Rather then coaching and playing (and taking the enjoyment from the game) they fail to recognize THEIR limitations and believe that these games are skilled contests that have the gravity of national security attached to them. At best, the players at this level display some raw skills that need serious development or are just good enough to fill out the roster and will never play another minute after they return their jerseys at the end of the season. As you acknowledged, coaches at this level are also raw and learning. This often leads to games that are sloppy (by high school standards) and very difficult to officiate – usually NOT a result of the quality of the officials. I find it difficult to understand how another official could miss this point.

I’d suggest that you and your players would benefit from a reassessment of your game time hostility toward “poor” officials (I know you say you just ask “questions.” However, I strongly suspect they are not questions – as I have calmly told several coaches – but comments in disguise). Relax a little (you can do that and still have a seriousness of purpose). Don't try and control or critique officials. Get into the game as a coach, help develop players who might have a chance at moving up and make the game fun for the majority who will only get this one shot experience at high school basketball. I guarantee it will make you feel better about yourself and the officiating. It’s also more likely to advance your coaching career then trying to “work” the officials or use them as an excuse for poor games.

(Sorry, I normally adhere to the brevity and content rule but I missed the brevity target on this one.)