ok juulie - here's the bottom line
 

As we both know, there are some "unwritten rules" in some associations. Usually these are passed on by some "veteran" officials and are things they think an official should do if they want to move up. These include some of the things you mentioned, like not calling a bunch of fouls in a row against the same team or player even if they are the right calls, not calling a foul late in the game unless reconstructive surgery is involved, not calling an over and back if the defensive player hit the ball off the offensive player to cause it to go into the backcourt, waiting to see if a shot goes in before blowing the whistle for a foul and then only calling it if the shot misses, not calling 3 seconds if the player in the lane "isn't involved in the play" (I'm still trying to figure out this one), calling fouls when there was a reach with no contact, etc.

This means you have to make a decision. If it is more important for you to "go along" with this nonsense just to move up, then go ahead and do that. However, if you feel it is more important to call games according to the rules regardless of what "veterans" tell you, then do that and realize that in your association, you may not move up.

Someday, all officials will call games consistently from start to finish and they will call them according to the rules. Someday, all officials will work to change a rule with which they disagree, instead of modifying it to their own taste. Someday, officials will move up the ladder based on their ability, not on politics.

And someday - pigs will fly.

Re: ok juulie - here's the bottom line
 

And I hear the temprature in Hell has dropped to just below freezing!

Re: ok juulie - here's the bottom line
 

Mark this is an excellent post but I don't think that Juulie
will need to make a decision today or that she'll wake up
one day and referee by a different philosophy. At her
level (first year?) there is no reason what-so-ever for
her to concern herself with how things are "expected" to be
done in her area. She just needs to perfect her mechanics
& rules understanding. As she develops, her style will
be influenced by what's "expected". If she can incorporate
them then she *might* move up faster. It seems by her most
recent post (T'ed up an aggreessive coach) that she's
making excellent strides.

Agree with Dan- It's too bad you can't get into a better association, From what I'm reading about your more advanced peers that you are listening to-they have a real problem with their own head games. If I ever had to think of so many variables in order to make a call I would have quit 39 years ago. Call what you see and leave it at that. Keep improving your rules Knowledge/ Mechanics-especially floor position on all your calls-hustle- be Friendly- Firm- and Fair and you should do fine. Find better mentors.
Good Luck!!

There are really only two associations in this area. One is the "main" association that does all high school games. This is Juulie's association. The other is in the suburbs and does only rec games, so you see, she is in the "right" association for what she wants to do.

BTW - the commissioner of her association has been around since before dirt was invented, is a legend around here, is omnipotent and is a former long time member of the NF rules committee - so pretty much you do what he wants or you are OUT!

And you have filled me in on what those are, and I appreciate the advice!! I plan on doing well tonight and don't expect a lot of difficulties -- and if there are any I am in a frame of mind to handle them well.

About politics, one advantage I have is that I am female. It appears that I can avoid some of the "competition", because my genes are in demand. I'm not going to use that against anybody, but I don't see why I can't take full advantage of it. Howard treats me a little condescendingly, but who cares? If coaches are asking for women refs, (and players BTW) and Howard thinks I'm okay, then I'll get to move up next year.

Peter, you are right about finding a good mentor. How does one decide who a good mentor would be? What do I look for?

[Edited by rainmaker on Feb 12th, 2001 at 02:59 PM]

Finding a Good Mentor
 

Rainmaker,
In your case I would look for a successful female official who has progressed well in the past 6-10 years. There are some very good ones out there whether they are in your area I don't know. Failing that go to your regional supervisor and ask him/her to recommend someone who is very experienced, not just a level or so above you, because I believe that is where you are getting some of these bad ideas of making things even etc Once you get that good mentor drain all the ideas you can from that person and treat the other so called advisors with a grain of salt.
It may cost you a couple of beers once in a while but it will be well worth it and you will gain a friend for life-besides it appeals to their egos and they usually love to follow and assist in their proteges progress.
Go for it!!