[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

OK, so we can agree that while they are playing the game (assuming they show up) then at that particular time it's the most important thing to them. Or maybe they are thinking about their PS3 game during the 9:30 game.

Who knows.

Anyway, sounds like this myth has been busted.

Great show. Especially the episodes where something gets blown up.

Ignats75 and jcarter - you are correct, to a point. When we get out there for that Sat. morning 5th and 6th grade CYO game, there is still a level of professionalism that is expected. I will still run up and down the court. I will still call fouls and violations that fit that game. I will still put in the effort those kids deserve at that game. However, I will not be calling my partners 3 or 4 days in advance to verify time and location. I probably won't be checking the CYO website for updates on rules and procedures. During a TO, I may actually stand by the table and talk to the table crew about the weather.

Originally Posted by deecee

the lower the level and the less important the game the less i think about it after

I'm certainly not going to worry about what a coach in the CYO game tells me about my officiating. I will worry a little more about it after my HS game. I may worry even more when my college assignor tells me something negative. It's just the way it is. There really are "less important" games. If you are just starting out, this CYO game may be your most important game, as well as the kids'. Great; treat it as such. For some it's not. Again, that doesn't mean we give a half-a$$ effort while we're out there, but it does mean it really is treated differently.