Quote:
Originally posted by blindzebra
Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
Quote:
Originally posted by blindzebra
The point isn't can someone get games if they jump through the correct hoops and kiss the right behind, it's is the system flawed?
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Kiss the right behind? Since when does approaching the assignors, giving them open dates, and telling them of your credentials mean "kissing behind?"
EVERY system is flawed. Very few officials degrade so much in 2 seasons that it affects their work to the point where they can't handle a varsity date.
I travel for my job and I have to turn games back occasionally. Most commissioners understand that this is a flaw of the system and have no problem with this. Some have told me point blank that "work comes first cause you can't feed your family on a $50 game."
I don't want anyone to think I'm defending the system. I'm not. But those who have been here a long time and complain that they can't get games either (1) aren't doing what they need to do to get hired or (2) think they can handle the level, but can't.
Like I said in my original post, I probably should just keep my mouth shut. I get in enough trouble on the floor without running my mouth 
[Edited by Rich Fronheiser on Feb 1st, 2006 at 10:29 PM]
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So, you don't worry about taking games from rival assignors, turning back games, feeling obligated to take a game anytime they need somebody, or have it in the back of your mind if whacking a coach or keeping them in their box will effect your schedule if your assignor gets a call?
If they have all that power, you are forced to stay in good graces, in other words pucker up.
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None of those things enter my mind. I accept games first come, first served. I have games in 2008 and I accept games when they come. When other assignors assign, they get a list of closed dates. There is no rivalry, but some of the more distant conferences assign earlier to entice people to drive.
I take extra games when I can. I say no when I have to.
I whacked 2 coaches in 5 days in January. That's never affected my schedules and I don't expect it to. The only place it really affects you here is during nonconference games assigned by the home school. And I have lost schools for whacking coaches and my attitude has always been that there are more schools than games I can work. I will say it does affect other people who actually give a sh!t.
Step back a second and look at the single assignor model. It's even worse there in some ways, isn't it? You have to stay in that one person's good graces, don't you? Feel obliged to help that one person out? Me, if I did lose an assignor (hasn't happened yet), I'd still have plenty others and I could extend my "willing-to-work" radius farther, if necessary.
I pucker for two people. My wife and my daughter.