Arbiter and the Over-riding of Blocks.

[LRZ]

I think that assigners can override blocks unless the official makes them firm. This may have been MTD, Jr.'s problem, as it was mine last week.

Here is what arbiter has to say:

A “firm” block is one that your assigner cannot override when making assignments. Normally, an assigner can still make an assignment even if you have a date blocked. They simply are notified that you’ve set a block, but they can still assign you. Marking blocks as firm prevents your assigner from overriding a blocked date or time.

After you have blocked a date, select view schedule in the action section.
Click on the date and the lower portion of the screen will show you the blocks that have been set on that date.
Click the edit pencil to the left-side of the block.
Check the box in the firm column then click the blue floppy disk icon to save.

[Multiple Sports]

As an assigner who uses arbiter the above post is 100%. If you are closed, I see a red "B" next to your name ( green if you are open ). However, I can assign you to any game even if you show blocked.

[JRutledge]

Well, it is possible that he could have had his blocks not "shared." That has been a problem for some around here in the past as we have several accounts for different groups. That being said, if he said he was blocked and the assignor gave him a game anyway, he can simply turn down the game. He has a wedding and it is some time out too. If they cannot understand that, they have bigger issues. I get that assignors want their games covered, but people have lives.

Peace

[sdoebler]

I help assign for a large area and am unaware of a "firm" block. The ability to override basically any block exists. You can see a list of officials, available officials, potential officials, and issue summary. Basically it tells you the reason that they are blocked. Generally assignors call the person and ask if they can override the block and assign them, but not everyone follows this protocol.

[LRZ]

sdoebler, you may be right, but this is a direct quote (with emphases added) from the arbiter website:

"A 'firm' block is one that your assigner cannot override when making assignments. Normally, an assigner can still make an assignment even if you have a date blocked. They simply are notified that you’ve set a block, but they can still assign you. Marking blocks as firm prevents your assigner from overriding a blocked date or time."

I only learned about firming blocks after several years of being on arbiter. Mark, is Junior aware of this capability?

[sdoebler]

Do you have a screen shot of how it works? Makes sense and would be useful have just never seen it.