[Corndog89]

Originally Posted by ace
"Since I've graduated to calling varsity games on a regular basis I find my sweet trigger has gotten harder to fire."

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

He's talking about his own personal tolerance level, not a technical foul.

Why would you be nervous anyway if someone had a pet name for a "T"?

Is he? I really didn't know what he was referring to; "sweet trigger" sounded like a nickname for a gun, like "Old Betsy" or the "Peacemaker" or something else goofy like that. And "to fire" demonstrates an action on his part...to fire his T gun?? Plus it sounds like since moving up to varsity perhaps he's a bit intimidated..."I find my sweet trigger has gotten harder to fire". Does that mean it's easier to "fire" away at a lower level coach? That varsity coaches won't tolerate the firing? Again, I don't know...what does he mean? I think only Ace can answer that.

As for the nervousness, anytime a person in a position of authority (e.g., a sports official) feels a need to draw attention to him or herself with something like a cute nickname, it makes me wonder either about his/her motives or sense of security. If you officiate to be noticed, you're much more likely to make questionable or iffy calls. Quick or excessive T's, looking for obscure calls to demonstrate a superior knowledge of the rules, theatrical or demonstrative mechanics on a routine basis (i.e., when not necessary to sell a call), creation of cool personna, etc...those characteristics in a partner make me nervous.

A good example from when I called in Florida a few years ago. There was a father-son combo who worked in our association. The father was a mediocre official at best, but he loved being the center of attention. He would probably average 15-20 T's in a normal 20 game HS varsity season. After calling a T he would be very self-righteous, proclaiming that he didn't want to call the T, but he really had no choice. Yet I can't recall a single T that he called that needed to be called. Coaches hated to have him call their games, and partners hated working with him. He had to be noticed. He was a very insecure man.

His son, 19 years old at the time, had the potential to be a very good official, except that he looked to his father as a role model. When the son could be kept away from the dad for a few weeks at a time, he would listen to more grounded officials and begin to develop good habits. But one game with dad (or one other similar official in the assoc) and all the good habits would evaporate. There was one small town that had produced 5 state champions in about a 10-12 year period. Very good, very knowledgeable, very vocal fans...I loved calling there. For some reason, the son was assigned 4-5 games there over about a 3-week period. The fans there would ride him mercilessly because he made too many hard-to-understand calls and drew attention to himself. Toward the end of the 3-week run I had a game with him there. I was talking with him before our game and he said he had developed a cheering section there, that they really liked him. He needed approval and to be liked above all else...just like his dad in the long run. He made me nervous because I never knew what he was going to do.

What does have to do with "sweet trigger"? Sounds to me like he may be a guy who needs to be seen and recognized as something special. Just makes me nervous.