[Kevzebra]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

Barely enough room...and that's even knowing he doesn't take up much space.

Kevzebra - the issue isn't whether we can put aside our personal feelings. I think almost all of us can. It is the appearance of possible favoritism. Let's say you do go work that game at your alma mater. And there's a close call at the end of the game that goes against the visitors. When the visiting coach finds out you went to the home school, you've just put your assignor in a bad spot of trying to explain how objective you really are. Why put him/her in that spot? Perception becomes reality, so if someone perceives you as biased because of your past affiliation, then you are. I was just recently picked up by a conference that includes my wife's alma mater. She graduated from there over 25 years ago, and has not been active in any school functions, other than going to a class reunion several years ago. Even with that, I informed my assignor about this and let him make the decision as to whether I can work any games involving that school. It so happens he doesn't have an issue with it, so if there is a problem down the road, he can defend me, or decide to take me off any other games with that school.

No one would have known had the issue not been raised by the "suing official". THe coaches had no clue till HE told the assistant from that school!