[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Kostja

You are right again. When I refereed a couple of games in HS in Canada I also didn't want to stay in these locker rooms longer than necessary ... Now, let me say "Yeah, but ..." Let's assume, that not all referees are as passionate about learning the game, talking to other officials, hear war stories, and so on, as you and I, and hence don't go out with other officials after their games ... Now, in order to analyze the game together, which I think helps a lot and at least on a "professional" level should be required(!), the referees should sit down in the locker room and go over the key moments of the game ... Agreed? For those of us who can't get enough of officiating and/or who are lucky enough to have family that gives us never ending support, great, go out have a beer or two and chat the night away

Let us not make this too complicated for some rookies. All any of us said is that on an occasion you might want to take advantage of talking to officials in a non-threatening, non-time consuming manner. If you like spending more time with your wife or children, that is OK. The fact is when people are sitting around in these environments, they tend to talk more openly about things that got them where they are or what it might take. Or they talk about stories of days gone by that might help someone learn from a good or bad experience. Sometimes you might just learn who the good and bad officials are and whom you have to watch out working with. It does not mean not knowing these things are the kiss of death to your career. Personally I did not think this issue was that big of a deal. It was just something that has made many of us here better and in many cases we have passed up people that only cared about the check they received for the game. Just like any advice, take it or leave it.

Peace