[j51969]

Originally Posted by johnny d

Not sure how things operate in Champaign, but in Chicago you if you don't wear a lanyard, you are not going to be getting any varsity games. It has nothing to do with what the state says, and everything to do with what the assignment chairs say. Also, in almost every college conference I work and many of the college camps I have been to, you are told to use a lanyard. Again, it is what the assignors expect. There are lots of things I don't like doing, but when my boss tells me to do them, I can either follow his advice or find a new line of work. Besides, I have much more important things to worry about than being forced to use a lanyard.

If it ever becomes an issue I may have to 're-evaluate my stance. IMO a coach wants a fit competent referee. It gets mentioned at camps as well. At this time it has not held me back from getting varsity assignments. For me Officiating basketball is a passion not a job. I haven't used a lanyard in around 20 years. If I ever get back to small college basketball again I will probably have to change. Until then I choose not to. Right now the military takes up most of my time. As an independent contractor I can choose my assignments and they can choose not to hire me.