Fellow ref riding crew as spectator

[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.