Sprinkles

[blindzebra]

Originally posted by JRutledge

How many games do you work where you are the "only one" in the gym? If I decided to only work games where all the coaches, players and fans were of the same color, I would probably not work one game during the season. I am almost always the "only one" in the gym. It is extremely rare that I will ever work a game where everyone is of my race and color. So please do not tell me it cuts both ways. I live in a metropolitan area and I get tired of having to work the Black school vs. the white school games in certain conferences just because I am an African-American. I know many white officials that never see an all-Black team. Do not get me wrong, many times those Black players are some of the most talented in the area. I just do not like that I have to work those schools just because of the color of my skin.

Well all that is wonderful. And when you guys work your games you can handle those situations anyway you like. I never told you how to handle your games or what to call. I answered Dan's question to what I would do. When I am working and those situations are raised, I handle them the way I suggested and it works for me. Like Juulie says, I do not know the area you live. But around here, race is a constant backdrop to the games that are played. It is a constant topic of conversation with officials (in all the sports I work). It is something that we have to deal with regularly. If I T'd up every suggestion of a "reason" based on race, I would have more Ts called than the games I have worked in all my years I have been officiating.

Peace

So when I have to deal with the same issues as you do, it's not the same, just because I'm white? That could not be more wrong.

If there are all African-American players on the floor and I'm working with an African-American partner, two things are certain.

One: It is assumed that I've never played the game, I don't understand the game, or the players.

Two: If the game is being lost and I have a call, it's because I'm a racist.

Now those things don't come up EVERY game, but they have come up many times over the years. In those games I have to prove myself every game, for one reason and one reason only, because of the color of my skin.

It most definitely cuts both ways.

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by blindzebra
Two: If the game is being lost and I have a call, it's because I'm a racist.

BZ -- This is something a lot of women deal with too, especially in boys ball, so I've felt it from the end of the person representing the traditionally oppressed group. I couldn't possibly have made that call from a position of competence and ability. It's not the same for men in girls ball, because they've been reffing all along and are reaching out from a position of traditional power and authority.

In the same way, a white ref in a black situation may feel some racial animosity directed at them, but it's nothing like what a black ref feels when race is an issue. I think you and I, as whites stepping into a black situation, feel like it cuts both ways. It is most assuredly not the same. I'm not saying you are a racist. You're not. And it's not okay for a black kid to assume you are. But that doesn't mean that you're being treated the same as Jeff gets treated when he's the black ref in a game between a white team and a black team. It's just not the same.

[blindzebra]

Originally posted by rainmaker

BZ -- This is something a lot of women deal with too, especially in boys ball, so I've felt it from the end of the person representing the traditionally oppressed group. I couldn't possibly have made that call from a position of competence and ability. It's not the same for men in girls ball, because they've been reffing all along and are reaching out from a position of traditional power and authority.

In the same way, a white ref in a black situation may feel some racial animosity directed at them, but it's nothing like what a black ref feels when race is an issue. I think you and I, as whites stepping into a black situation, feel like it cuts both ways. It is most assuredly not the same. I'm not saying you are a racist. You're not. And it's not okay for a black kid to assume you are. But that doesn't mean that you're being treated the same as Jeff gets treated when he's the black ref in a game between a white team and a black team. It's just not the same.

Juulie, I'm aware that I have not lived every aspect of my life where race may be an issue.

This debate has a racial aspect, but the main issue is are we supporting are partner by setting this player straight?

If I'm the white guy, I can't just wait and call some close ones on them and sit them down, to make a point that what they said was wrong.

As a woman, which way do you handle the "she's just a woman ref" issue? Do you do nothing to set them straight when the comment is made, only to call some boarderline fouls on them hoping to make your point, or do you take care of business?

To put it into context for the first post, how do you want your partner to handle it?

For me it's simple, we are a team. I'd have Rut's back, I'd have your back, I'd even have JR's back.

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by blindzebra

...I'd even have JR's back.

Seems appropriate.

Don't know why...just does.

[blindzebra]

Originally posted by Dan_ref

Seems appropriate.

Don't know why...just does.

It says blindZEBRA, not rhino. I can't speak for JR, however...

[RookieDude]

Originally posted by rainmaker
I STILL WANT TO KNOW HOW DAN HANDLED THE ORIGINAL SITUATION!!

I'll tell you how he handled it...(OK, I'll guess how he handled it.)

He told the player that he would call what he sees...no matter who it is...and his partner would do the same.

He did this without a lot of fanfare and moved on.

...and Rich...are you kidding me? You said this was worse than using vulgar language? Not in my book...an actual verbage is worse, IMO, than an idiotic implied meaning.

[JRutledge]

I think Juulie got the point perfectly.

Peace

[WindyCityBlue]

I've worked with partners of every color and gender in my career. One truth from all of those years is that bigots abound. Yet, it's often the way that the official handles the pressure and reacts to the challenge that nails him/her or endears him/her.

I've witnessed partners who were jeered for their skin color, gender, if he/she wore glasses, were overweight or bald. None of that mattered when they did their job and got the call right. One little slip and it was back to the gallows. I asked one of my partners how he handled all of the ribbing (he's Hawaiian, but is confused for Japanese). He gets all of the "Open your eyes!" comments he or we can stand. He told me that he just works harder. He knows that he will be taunted, but realizes that the only remedy is to be great. (He is and it makes all of us envious!)

The bottom line is how you handle the rhubarbs and slings. The best officials know how to deflect the criticism and react to the heat of the moment. The best officials recognize that the fan has a vested interest and something at stake - loyalty, pride and usually a paid admission. The players have even more at stake. They'll hate you and love you depending on how the calls are going. Were only as good as our last call. So you have a choice...work harder and remember that no matter how well you perform, someone will still think you're an a-hole. Or...internalize it and blow it off or burn out and cheat yourself. I choose to use it as fuel for the future. Nothing will kill them more than seeing you trot out there for the big game!

[blindzebra]

Originally posted by WindyCityBlue
I've worked with partners of every color and gender in my career. One truth from all of those years is that bigots abound. Yet, it's often the way that the official handles the pressure and reacts to the challenge that nails him/her or endears him/her.

I've witnessed partners who were jeered for their skin color, gender, if he/she wore glasses, were overweight or bald. None of that mattered when they did their job and got the call right. One little slip and it was back to the gallows. I asked one of my partners how he handled all of the ribbing (he's Hawaiian, but is confused for Japanese). He gets all of the "Open your eyes!" comments he or we can stand. He told me that he just works harder. He knows that he will be taunted, but realizes that the only remedy is to be great. (He is and it makes all of us envious!)

The bottom line is how you handle the rhubarbs and slings. The best officials know how to deflect the criticism and react to the heat of the moment. The best officials recognize that the fan has a vested interest and something at stake - loyalty, pride and usually a paid admission. The players have even more at stake. They'll hate you and love you depending on how the calls are going. Were only as good as our last call. So you have a choice...work harder and remember that no matter how well you perform, someone will still think you're an a-hole. Or...internalize it and blow it off or burn out and cheat yourself. I choose to use it as fuel for the future. Nothing will kill them more than seeing you trot out there for the big game!

This subject has nothing to do with fans, it's about a player's comment.

I'm betting you saw Rut's name and wanted to take a shot.

Your comprehension skills, have once again betrayed you.

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by WindyCityBlue
I've worked with partners of every color and gender in my career. One truth from all of those years is that bigots abound. Yet, it's often the way that the official handles the pressure and reacts to the challenge that nails him/her or endears him/her.

I've witnessed partners who were jeered for their skin color, gender, if he/she wore glasses, were overweight or bald. None of that mattered when they did their job and got the call right. One little slip and it was back to the gallows. I asked one of my partners how he handled all of the ribbing (he's Hawaiian, but is confused for Japanese). He gets all of the "Open your eyes!" comments he or we can stand. He told me that he just works harder. He knows that he will be taunted, but realizes that the only remedy is to be great. (He is and it makes all of us envious!)

The bottom line is how you handle the rhubarbs and slings. The best officials know how to deflect the criticism and react to the heat of the moment. The best officials recognize that the fan has a vested interest and something at stake - loyalty, pride and usually a paid admission. The players have even more at stake. They'll hate you and love you depending on how the calls are going. Were only as good as our last call. So you have a choice...work harder and remember that no matter how well you perform, someone will still think you're an a-hole. Or...internalize it and blow it off or burn out and cheat yourself. I choose to use it as fuel for the future. Nothing will kill them more than seeing you trot out there for the big game!

I'm not sure what to make of all this but I do not officiate to win the love & respect of fans, players or coaches. And for sure I'm not motivated by anything they say or do and I do not work to improve my game so that I "...will kill them [by] seeing you trot out there for the big game".

And I think that's true for most officials.

Anyway, for Juulie here's what happened. I really didn't think we needed a T at that point, so I took the young sprinkle aside and told him if he doesn't watch himself I could make his life quite uncomfortable by simply having a word with his coach about his inablity to accept diversity in his life. Well, not in exactly *those* words, but you get the drift (maybe without the tone ). And to reinforce it the next time he touched the ball I found a travel. He got the message and an earful from his coach and we happily finished the game.

[WindyCityBlue]

Com-pre-hen-sion...is that the art of being able to read and understand? Go ahead and ask someone, I'll wait.

I did not shoot at Rut. I may have many differences with him, but none involve racism or bigotry. I truly understand what he said and recognize that he HAS TO work harder because God made him darker than me. I just gave my insight and told what my partners did in that situation. I apologize if my sensitive side clouded your judgement.

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by WindyCityBlue
Com-pre-hen-sion...is that the art of being able to read and understand? Go ahead and ask someone, I'll wait.

is that directed at me?

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by WindyCityBlue
Com-pre-hen-sion...is that the art of being able to read and understand? Go ahead and ask someone, I'll wait.

I did not shoot at Rut. I may have many differences with him, but none involve racism or bigotry. I truly understand what he said and recognize that he HAS TO work harder because God made him darker than me. I just gave my insight and told what my partners did in that situation. I apologize if my sensitive side clouded your judgement.

This is your sensitive side?! Whew!! I'd like to ask you to skip the rough stuff, then.

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by blindzebra
Juulie, I'm aware that I have not lived every aspect of my life where race may be an issue.

This debate has a racial aspect, but the main issue is are we supporting are partner by setting this player straight?

If I'm the white guy, I can't just wait and call some close ones on them and sit them down, to make a point that what they said was wrong.

As a woman, which way do you handle the "she's just a woman ref" issue? Do you do nothing to set them straight when the comment is made, only to call some boarderline fouls on them hoping to make your point, or do you take care of business?

To put it into context for the first post, how do you want your partner to handle it?

For me it's simple, we are a team. I'd have Rut's back, I'd have your back, I'd even have JR's back.

How to handle the kind of insinuation that Dan described varies from situation to situation. You're right that it's an issue for both the person to whom it's addressed, and for the partner. Dan's response was masterful and worked well. In a different setting, Jeff would have a different management style that would do just fine. Both would agree that the details aren't the point. Each situation has to be handled as seems best at that time.

When people imply that "I'm just a woman" I usually just shrug. I still have the authority in that game, and they still have to do what I say. So let 'em complain. Until they get to the vulgarities or profanities, then it's just a T. If they say something directly, I say, "Well, do you have any women teachers? Do you have a mother? Do you respect and obey them?" Or if they complain, as one did, "This isn't girls' ball!" I say, "No, it's not!" or "I noticed!" And in fact, those same kinds of tactics work well for me in race issues. But that's just me.

The point I was trying to make in my previous post, is that the prejudice that you or I may feel as whites is real and needs to be recognized and addressed. But it's not the same as what any black person feels. And it never will be.

[mick]

Originally posted by Dan_ref

is that directed at me?

Nope.
Gary responded to Blindzebra.
mick