Quick question looking for feedback.

I recently moved from a state where they take care of the officials at their contests to a state where the officials are just an after thought. Both areas are rural areas so that excuse is thrown out the window.

When we arrive at contests here (where I currently work) RARELY are we greeted by administration and shown to our dressing room. In fact, during football, they do not have dressing rooms for us. We show up fully dressed for the game. Anyway, we can go an entire game before the janitor or coach brings us our checks and on one occasion we were done working and had to find somebody to get us our game check. Anyway, is there a protocol out there that says the home team administrator should meet the officials and take them to their locker room. There he/she will pay them. At halftime there will be water (even out of a cooler with plastic cups works for me) available etc...

In the previous state I worked, The administrators were wonderful. They met us at the door, some schools had reserved parking for us (I wasn't a big fan of that one but nonetheless), had water for us at half, walked us on and off the floor between games, waited for us after the game to escort us to our vehicles and on some occasions fed us (not that they need to).

Does anyone have any recomendations or steps that they think we could take to make the administrators more aware of our needs, if nothing else for our safety (I have seen two fellow officials verbally attacked while walking to their cars after games). I believe this is a problem and could possibly turn in to something bigger than a verbal assault one day. Does this fall on the Area Director, League Assignor, or State?

IMO, this is something much bigger than a ref or group of refs can successfully tackle. If you have an assigning associaion that you work thru, I would take it to them and ask if it could be discussed at the next meeting. If most of those guys are from that area, then that's all they know and probably don't know to expect much more.

Like what you're used to, they treat us well here. If I moved somewhere else, I would hope it would be similar to to the hospitality I'm used to.

Thick Skin, Every place is different and every school in your area will be different. Be glad for the good ones and be careful not to complain too much about the bad ones. Also, try not to look back at where you used to be and compare too much. You can't find happiness on a road map. You have take it with you. I work two states and they both do things quite differently. I just try to adapt to them both as well as I can.

In my state every school is different. But I cannot think of any school that did not provide a locker room for basketball games. Now the outdoor sports are different and sometimes a locker room can be a chore.

Also many of the schools in my area do not pay on the spot. Many might pay through vouchers or mail the checks after the game or season in some cases. This was an adjustment for me because I made a move within the state, but from a rural area to a metropolitan area. I always got paid at the rural schools.

As stated before, if you have a concern take this up with the assignor, association or state if needed. Officials often times are the last everyone thinks of, but the first they think of when no officials show up.

Peace

In our state, we have either officials locker rooms or access to the coachs office and shower.

If you don't meet them, how do you know who your game mangagement is in case of a problem? Some of the lower level games I work do not have game managment besides coaches and I really don't like the situation. If there is a problem, there's a decent chance that the coach will be involved in some way. I've never made a complaint, or had a problem (I'm knocking on my wood cabinet next to my desk), but I will say that sort of situation make an official a little nervous. In your situation I'd professionally and nicely try to find out if there's a reason for no administration. If you can, you could also try to avoid getting those schools on your schedule.

Actually, this is pretty simple. Next time, show up and then don't go out onto the field when you are supposed to do so. Just sit there. When someone finally comes over to you and asks what's going on, tell them you cannot proceed until you know who the game administration is.

When (and/or if) they find someone, then ask them where your dressing room is. Then ask for your water. This should delay the start of the game for a while.

Eventually, one would hope they'd get the message.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ChrisSportsFan
[B]IMO, this is something much bigger than a ref or group of refs can successfully tackle. If you have an assigning associaion that you work thru, I would take it to them and ask if it could be discussed at the next meeting. If most of those guys are from that area, then that's all they know and probably don't know to expect much more.


I agree, this is an issue that should be worked through your association. There is an issue of safety for the Officials. And the fact that the administrators should want to know that the Officials are there and ready to go by tip-off.

The precedure I take when I am assigned games. I make contact with the AD. I am aware it is not common practice but I have come to learn it puts them at ease. I make an honest effort to arrive at all game sites at least an hour early so that I can get mentally focused. I than ask three of the five W's. (who, what, when, where, why)

Who: is going to meet me.

Where (gym, parking lot, etc.) I can meet them to show me the location I will be getting dressed.

When: I will be on site. (TIME)

I come to learn after doing this AD's make a conscience effort to meet and greet me or have a representative too. The check is in the mail.

[Edited by truerookie on Oct 26th, 2005 at 06:41 PM]