Originally Posted by grunewar
I’ll agree, with some caveats.
I’m starting my fourth yr of HS ball (sixth yr overall) and have worked my way up to a partial V schedule for which I am happy and grateful to those that have helped me get where I am. That being said….
When I first arrived in my Association I felt very much the outsider (which is natural). Some V Officials were nice, cordial, friendly, while others, not so much. Of course, this could be said about many work, social or clique organizations where seniority, amongst other factors, has a place (right or wrong).
I started at the bottom – understandably. I worked with good and not so good officials (IMO). There were officials at this level who cared and others who didn’t’. At meetings and in the locker room, I was “the new guy.” Was I an up and comer? Was I there to eventually steal their games? Was I a threat? Who knows? Some refs treated me well, others not so much. Some senior officials know how to teach, coach, mentor – others don’t. Some are Neanderthals, some are aloof, some can’t talk to you without being condescending or overly critical. Others are great, helpful, and show what I call “tough love” and take their role as a Senior Official seriously.
Bottom line – on my way to where I am now, (middle of the pack in my Association by my estimates) I have met the good and the bad. Refs who were standoffish a few years ago have really given me some great assistance. This summer/fall I even reffed with several of my trainers and the most senior of our officials. I used to be intimidated now it’s awesome and I look forward to the experience! As we have stated before, learn from everyone and take bits and pieces to mold yourself.
I have worked hard and still have a ways to go yet (IMO). I find if you take the time to try hard, others will notice. I seek games and work whenever called, I accept criticism, I go into the locker room to learn from V officials – and now they ask me, “So, what did you see?”
I too believe I saw a pecking order more several yrs ago than I do now. Maybe I see it from a different perspective. Maybe I’m one of “them” now. I don't think so, but I’ll let others judge me.
When I was in the military I saw some of what I thought were “poor leaders and managers,” I learned from everyone of them, right or wrong. Treat others how you want to be treated. Never treat people poorly on your way up……as you never know when you’ll be on your way down.
I heard a quote after the first Gulf War attributed to GEN Colin Powell (although I researched it and can’t find it) who said, “Even Saddam Hussein has value. He can always be used as a bad example.”
Regardless how you may have been treated in school, work, or in life , be the bigger person. Be one of the good guys/gals!
My $.02. Rant off.
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