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  #1 (permalink)  
Old Tue Mar 08, 2016, 10:17pm
High Five Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Southwest Missouri
Posts: 669
It's possible he may not be aware of all the work you have done. I agree calling him to have a talk would help. Good luck.
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  #2 (permalink)  
Old Wed Mar 09, 2016, 02:32pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 270
My son (a former official) called me last night asking about a play. I came here to see if the video was posted...it was and I could answer his question so thanks.

I read the replies on this and decide to do as suggested. Called right away and left voicemail...did the same mid-morning today and have not received a call. I also just sent an email to him as sometimes he is quick to return them rather than call...understandable as he is in car sales and returning emails are generally easier so you don't risk getting stuck on a phone call.

We'll see...
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  #3 (permalink)  
Old Wed Mar 09, 2016, 03:52pm
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Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 270
I received a response to the email...such as it is.

First, I started the email by saying I understood that he would always select officials for games based on their exhibited ability and if I desired a better schedule I needed to improve my ability/performance. Then I politely reminded him we had this discussion at our camp last summer and he said two things then: commented on my age as a factor and that I was one of the officials he wanted to watch that weekend. I pointed out that my evaluators (and he has copies of their forms) had mostly positive things to say about my work and mentioned noticeable improvement. Then I asked if he, or someone on his evaluation committee, had seen something different and what their assessment said needed improvements.

His response was very short (in it's entirety): "[My name] I need you! This was [name of his assistant]s first year. Let me get him lined out and then I will just put you in varsity assignments. LET ME GET IT WORKED OUT!"

I continue to be frustrated by him not answering, what I think, is a fair question because he sees something that keeps me from getting even decent games...I just cannot get him to tell me. I really want to respond and tell him the evidence I have tells me he doesn't need me...but what do they say, discretion is the better part of valor.

I still have a few weeks to decide and still get the discount for early renewal. Apparently it does no good to look at an email and yell "Just answer the [bleeping] question!"

Of course...if he is on here I just yelled that at him
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  #4 (permalink)  
Old Wed Mar 09, 2016, 05:06pm
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Posts: 2,010
Quote:
Originally Posted by BatteryPowered View Post
I received a response to the email...such as it is.

First, I started the email by saying I understood that he would always select officials for games based on their exhibited ability and if I desired a better schedule I needed to improve my ability/performance. Then I politely reminded him we had this discussion at our camp last summer and he said two things then: commented on my age as a factor and that I was one of the officials he wanted to watch that weekend. I pointed out that my evaluators (and he has copies of their forms) had mostly positive things to say about my work and mentioned noticeable improvement. Then I asked if he, or someone on his evaluation committee, had seen something different and what their assessment said needed improvements.

His response was very short (in it's entirety): "[My name] I need you! This was [name of his assistant]s first year. Let me get him lined out and then I will just put you in varsity assignments. LET ME GET IT WORKED OUT!"

I continue to be frustrated by him not answering, what I think, is a fair question because he sees something that keeps me from getting even decent games...I just cannot get him to tell me. I really want to respond and tell him the evidence I have tells me he doesn't need me...but what do they say, discretion is the better part of valor.

I still have a few weeks to decide and still get the discount for early renewal. Apparently it does no good to look at an email and yell "Just answer the [bleeping] question!"

Of course...if he is on here I just yelled that at him
This is why this conversation would have been better over the phone at least, and best of all, over lunch or something. He managed to completely dodge the real question.

If I was you, I'd probably reply to his email and thank him for his response, but let him know you really want to discuss this further and invite him to lunch or something.
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  #5 (permalink)  
Old Wed Mar 09, 2016, 05:13pm
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Posts: 3,505
OR if you are on the fence of quitting his response would indicate a give it one more year. If it doesn't get better then oh well. How hard do you really want to pursue someone for a conversation if it appears that they don't want to talk?

I would take him at his word this one time and then if it turns out to be hot air and you are willing to walk away then do so after next year.
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  #6 (permalink)  
Old Thu Mar 10, 2016, 08:53am
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Posts: 18,186
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes View Post
but let him know you really want to discuss this further
I read it as the assigner has said that he's heard enough (well, maybe not that strict).

iirc (I didn't go back to check) there was a already an email, followed by an email and then a voice mail the next day. That's too much contact, in my book.
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  #7 (permalink)  
Old Thu Mar 10, 2016, 10:05am
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Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 270
Sat down last night and mentally laid out the pros and cons...and pondered everything that has happened and the conversations over the last year. I even called two people I have known for years and who have been sounding boards/mentors in the past (one is on the evaluation committee). I got solid feedback from them and was given a few things to work on (I had already identified all but one based on watching some "tape" of a few games from last season). They also both expressed concern that I am not the only person feeling this way and that the association is at risk of losing many officials because of the overall inability/unwillingness to communicate clearly

I came to the decision (unless something changes in the next couple of weeks) that I will give it one more year...in a way. However, I am finished attempting to discuss this particular issue. I have made my desire and my efforts to improve as an official known. The cost of attending a couple of camps and renewing with the association is not large. If the scheduling next season starts down the path of the last two, I can always make myself unavailable in The Arbiter and any time.

The thing that started bothering me last night was that I was turning into my wife about this...made me want to slap myself and yell "Make a decision."
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  #8 (permalink)  
Old Thu Mar 10, 2016, 10:18am
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 782
Perhaps there are other personal motivations that you can find, to allow you to enjoy officiating, rather than only the goal of being highly ranked, and receiving assignments on bigger, more prestigious games.

In recent seasons, I have shifted my personal motivation even more to mentoring, and training, less experienced officials. Our assignors, at my request, have been very willing to give me a mix of higher profile games, and games with newer officials, so that I can mentor them, and work directly with them. It has been very rewarding, to me, and very helpful to those newer officials. And, it has given our assignors better information regarding the progress of our newer officials.

With time available, before your next season begins, be even more diligent in your preparation. Be in the best condition of your career. Study your mechanics, your presentation, and all aspects of your game. If at all possible, see yourself on video, and find a trusted friend who can view and critique your performance. Be super ready and able to continue to officiate. By doing so, the choice will be yours, rather than having it forced upon you.
Best wishes.
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Last edited by Rob1968; Thu Mar 10, 2016 at 10:35am.
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  #9 (permalink)  
Old Wed Mar 09, 2016, 06:37pm
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Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: In the offseason.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BatteryPowered View Post
I received a response to the email...such as it is.

First, I started the email by saying I understood that he would always select officials for games based on their exhibited ability and if I desired a better schedule I needed to improve my ability/performance. Then I politely reminded him we had this discussion at our camp last summer and he said two things then: commented on my age as a factor and that I was one of the officials he wanted to watch that weekend. I pointed out that my evaluators (and he has copies of their forms) had mostly positive things to say about my work and mentioned noticeable improvement. Then I asked if he, or someone on his evaluation committee, had seen something different and what their assessment said needed improvements.

His response was very short (in it's entirety): "[My name] I need you! This was [name of his assistant]s first year. Let me get him lined out and then I will just put you in varsity assignments. LET ME GET IT WORKED OUT!"

I continue to be frustrated by him not answering, what I think, is a fair question because he sees something that keeps me from getting even decent games...I just cannot get him to tell me. I really want to respond and tell him the evidence I have tells me he doesn't need me...but what do they say, discretion is the better part of valor.

I still have a few weeks to decide and still get the discount for early renewal. Apparently it does no good to look at an email and yell "Just answer the [bleeping] question!"

Of course...if he is on here I just yelled that at him
It sounds to me like he agreed that you were underutilized and is planning to see that it is taken care of.
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  #10 (permalink)  
Old Wed Mar 09, 2016, 06:49pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 592
deecee and Camron both have +1 observations.

Sounds like you were "heard" and you got a pretty strong indication he wants you around. The next trick is to collar him at the next opportunity to get further refinement of his statements (whether by grabbing a bite to eat/drink or just when you see him next at a clinic or court you know he frequents).

You are itching (and deserve) to get a voice-to-voice with him. Take another step to make it happen, keeping in mind that a) he does seem to have heard you and given positive feedback and b) you don't want to blow any progress made. (From his comments you could be in for a big boost next season ... you just don't know yet.)

But no more email. Eliminate a chance for him to dodge you, and for any misinterpretations. (Gotta love body language -- don't go without it.)

No time for paranoia, or sitting back on your haunches. Find the balance of aggressiveness that works for you, and him.

I read his answer more positively than you, I think. But the devil is in the rest, eh?
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  #11 (permalink)  
Old Thu Mar 10, 2016, 09:50am
Courageous When Prudent
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camron Rust View Post
It sounds to me like he agreed that you were underutilized and is planning to see that it is taken care of.
That's how I read it also. I would be more concerned about the results than the how comes.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk
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  #12 (permalink)  
Old Thu Mar 10, 2016, 10:10am
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Location: Illinois
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He said he would fix it. Now you need to leave him alone. See what happens when the season comes. If you're not getting type of games you want then go see him. Don't email.
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