Fellow ref riding crew as spectator

[Adam]

Originally Posted by VaTerp

I absolutely hold officials to a higher standard when they are watching games as fans because they should know better, plain and simple.

And there is no reason to be passive aggressive. Deal with the issue head on. Tell the guy you didnt appreciate how he behaved during the game and you have a reasonable expectation of not dealing with that BS from a fellow official. If he disagrees then tell him you'll adress it with the assigner. Our assigner would let the official know of the standard we have here for treating fellow officials even as a fan.

Ive been a fan and a coach. I know how emotional people can get and how easy it is to go off on the officiating but I also, am an official. And know how difficult the job is and what it entails. So I keep that in mind when I'm watching a game in a different capacity. And I think its more than fair to expect fellow officials to do the same, especially those within the same association.

Honestly, my only difference with this is the fact that I'm going to the assigner regardless. Not because I'm afraid to deal with the jack-ass, but because I know he's done it before and will do it again. It needs to get dealt with from top down, not from the bottom up.

I'd also add that he's not as well-respected as the OP may think if he's doing this.

Additionally, when an official acts like this, those around him will typically know he's an official and will take their cue from him. I'm getting rid of that element, but others may certainly do it differently.

[VaTerp]

Originally Posted by Adam

Honestly, my only difference with this is the fact that I'm going to the assigner regardless. Not because I'm afraid to deal with the jack-ass, but because I know he's done it before and will do it again. It needs to get dealt with from top down, not from the bottom up.

I'd also add that he's not as well-respected as the OP may think if he's doing this.

Additionally, when an official acts like this, those around him will typically know he's an official and will take their cue from him. I'm getting rid of that element, but others may certainly do it differently.

Agreed on all accounts.

[Mregor]

Originally Posted by Adam

Additionally, when an official acts like this, those around him will typically know he's an official and will take their cue from him. I'm getting rid of that element, but others may certainly do it differently.

^^^^^^^ This.

I guarantee others know he is an official and will take the cue from him that this is acceptable. It's not. Paying their $5 does not give them a right to come in and act like an a-hole.

It should be in every association's by laws to prohibit this crap.

[Remington]

Quick background: I assign the varsity contests for the 2 JUCO's and 5 local HS teams. We have an association with your typical board, but I have the golden pen when it comes to assigning the varsity contests.

I check with the R of each crew, at a minimum, after each game via text or call to be ready to head off any potential complaints or issues. I also outlay an assigning rationalle before the season that talks about how you are tiered, what factors can influence the number and type of assignments and I give myself a catch all that says the assigner can also make other rulings that may not be specifically covered above.

I have had this exact scenario happen twice in the last 5 years that I have been made aware of. One time it was a lower tier veteran official that was the problem and the other time it was a high level official who was also a personal friend of mine and I handled both situations the exact same so here is my personal $.02.

First of all, it was wrong by this fellow official. Second, NO association wants to lose a young official (unless you are a problem child) so your concerns will not be taken lightly.

I would call the assigner and association president and let them know what happened. I personally don't think anyone benefits from putting this stuff in writing as in the heat of the moment you could write something you don't mean and you never know whose hands it gets into. Along those lines, there is NO need to embellish the scenario as there is probably video and/or witnesses somewhere that will validate the story so just be professional and explain what happened.

Not that it matters, but I penalized the officials a game fee (training and development fund to put on clinics) and needed confirmation that they reached out to the entire crew and apologized. Both of these officials knew exactly what I was calling them for and I truly believe they just got caught up in the game. It happens unfortunately. They were wrong, but they also have been excellent ever since and have actually shared their blunder with other parents who officiate and it has made a big difference in our area.

[Adam]

Excellent advice, Remington. I would only note that I would say to put it in writing, even if you don't send it. Don't write it in an email, but put it in a word doc or google doc or something. The sooner the better, and you can always revise.

Before sending it to anyone, have someone you trust look at it and give you honest feedback about your language and tone. If you contact the assigner and he addresses it quickly, you'll never need to send it. You may, however, want to reference it later and if you wrote it down while it was fresh you'll have it.

[ace]

I had this happen to me when I was still working games. It was one of the most disappointing things I experienced by a fellow official.

The right thing to do is call your assignor and copy someone of leadership of your association and inform them of the situation. Take the previous advice and WRITE IT DOWN exactly as you remember it. Then walk away. Come back to it in a few hours after you've done something else to clear your mind and read it again. Make sure you agree with it 100%. Then have someone you trust read and suggest edits.