[JRutledge]

Originally posted by bgtg19
3. Rut is right to not automatically assume that an internet poster knows what s/he is talking about, but we should all be reminded to not automatically assume that a lawyer on TV knows what s/he is talking about. TV law – even “reality” TV law – is just different. (And that TV lawyer may not be admitted to the bar in the state where you live.) Sometimes TV lawyers DO get it right. Even a broken clock is right twice a day….

There is a big difference between a lawyer that is actually a Judge and someone that just acts as one only on TV. Whatever you might think about my example of talking about a Court show, we can all verify their actually resume or credentials. I only used that example because Judge Mathis did not award a civil judgment to someone based on the fact that a person was legally defending themselves in a case on his show. He used the exact same language as my lawyer friend when he said, "You cannot use a gun if there is a push, but you can push someone back legally." Or he said something to that affect. There are some issues that come up often on those court shows like assaults, rental issues and loan issues. You do not have to be a legal expert to understand some of the basic guidelines that are explained on any of these shows. You can make fun of the example, but the information I gave was not something I just decided to create.

Originally posted by bgtg19
5. Dan asked why something would be a subject for discipline if it was not legally wrong. Well, it’s because there are different standards. A depressed husband seeks out a counselor/psychologist to talk about his troubled marriage and this client and his counselor end up having an affair. The counselor likely is facing no legal trouble (although in some jurisdictions this could be unlawful), but she certainly would be disciplined for her breach of professional ethics. That’s what I am talking about. If, and this is a big fat “if” the official “went back at” the coach, I don’t think he should be in any criminal trouble whatsoever but I think he should be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for failing to meet the expectations that we have (that I have?) of the officiating profession. I remind myself again: that is a possibility here, but it may be that the official was wholly in the right.

That is a fair example, but the problem is that the people making the decision might disagree with you. I know Rocky hates to hear this, but the reality is every jurisdiction might have a different opinion on what to do and how to handle this situation. I would much rather be suspended for protecting myself than getting hospitalized trying to uphold some "professional standard" that may or may not be present. I am not advocating official going out and attacking their attacker, I am just suggesting they should have some leeway and common sense should be used if we expect anyone is just going to turn away when they are threatened. Remember we had some ACC official get suspended for penalizing a player that was seen as not being confrontational when his opponent clearly got in his face. Because someone issues a punishment does not make the punishment in any way right.

Originally posted by bgtg19
7. Rut said: “It is not about professionalism at this point, it is about self-preservation.” Chuck agreed with him. I disagree with them. There comes a point where self-preservation enters the equation to be sure (it may even dominate the equation in certain circumstances), but I am a believer that “professionalism” is always, always at issue. How we handle ourselves when everything is going great is important, too; but we must acknowledge that how we handle ourselves in moments of crisis and stress says perhaps even more about who we are.

I officiate to have fun, I do not officiate to have to fear for my person. I am sorry, we are just going to have to disagree on this one. If you feel it is better to just get punched and pushed and back down, you do the best you can. I am not going to let anyone feel that I am just going to sit there while you do anything and everything to me.

Originally posted by bgtg19
8. We read these forums for nuggets that will help us become better officials. We become better officials when we are “prepared” for the unexpected. Juulie’s tip reminding us of the power of the whistle is a nugget that adds substantial value. Thanks, Juulie.

What Juulie says is interesting but might not be practically. If you blow a whistle in the right person's ear, they might just deck you square in the face. I do not know that I want to have a whistle in my mouth that when I possibly upset someone. Juulie is also a Women, she might not be confronted with the same kinds of people on her games as I might. These conversations are always interesting ones, but we must understand that we are not going to always agree.

Peace