Diminutives at Work

[Mark Padgett]

Juulie - let me answer in the context of what I would prefer in my rec league, since you will be working that in a month or so, and I will be retiring from officiating at the end of that schedule in March.

I have no objection at all to using the term "ladies" when addressing a group of female players. To address an individual player, use their number, or if you feel you have tone them down a bit, call them "young lady".

For boys, you can use "gentlemen" to a group, but it's also fine to use "guys". To an individual, try "dude". Personally, I don't like the term "son". I think it sounds condescending.

Of course, I have been known to call a player "Beavis".

[Edited by Mark Padgett on Nov 1st, 2003 at 08:18 PM]