[JRutledge]

Originally posted by rpirtle


Having said that, we here in TX have a little "thang" known as the "scratch" system. It is the most archaic, antiquated, inequitable, and arbitrary system I have ever had the misfortune of coming across (for those of you who are still unsure whether I like this system or not...I do not). A coach can "scratch" any number of officials, at any time, for any reason, or for no reason. For instance, if you work a game and have a bad night (or you are assigned a game above your level of expertise), you could get "scratched" by the coach. A coach might even scratch you from his list if he doesn't know who you are (for new officials to the chapter). The coach will call your Assigner and tell him (or her) that you are no longer to do their games for the remainder of the season. However, the coaches have abused the system. And, to be honest, our chapter has not yet taken a stand to limit the number and frequency of scratches the coaches can perform. Suffice it to say, if you claim to be able to work varsity games but can not, you might get a few, but the liklihood that you will work more in the future is very low.

Is this "scratch" system authorized by the state, or is the assignors responsible for this?

We have ways coaches can evaluate or "scratch" officials, but usually the assignors set their own standards. Some will, others will not at all. Depends on the conference or assignor themselves.

Peace