Referee Abuse

[JeffRef]

Originally posted by Wondering
I just wanted to thank you all for your input. As "Just Curious" stated, this was a military rec league. I do realize that I allowed their conduct to get way out of control and I lost a lot of sleep thinking about what I would do - within the rules - if it started to happen again.

Although I had virtually no support from my ref parter (she is part of the player's social group - and offcourt in a corner BSing with a player while I was reporting and trying to get technical foul shots accomplished ) - your inputs will help me greatly in the future. I know I still make officiating mistakes, but most observers would tell you I work as hard as anyone to improve and learn.

These types of games aren't always the most fun or easiest to do, especially with a non-chalant partner. I call these types of games "outside the box" games. I use them to try new things (i.e. think or act outside the box). Too often we get in a comfortable rythm with our refereeing. Even the best referees try to make themselves better and this cannot be accomplished unless you step outside the box every once and a while. It may be a mechanics change or you may want to use some communication techniques you've never tried before. It doesn't always work out but when it does you walk away from a sh*t game with at least some accomplishments and satisfaction.

[walt]

As someone earlier stated, if it's loud enough for me to hear, it warrants the "T". I am by no means saying that you walk on the floor with bunny ears but disrespect is disrespect and if you hear it, penalize it. I also agree that if it takes the drastic actions of running 3 or 4 players or calling the game altogether, so be it. The players did it to themselves. The partner in this case also should have stepped up and helped with controlling the situation. It is equally as bad if one official is trying to do the right thing and his/her partner is hanging him/her out to dry.

[Doug]

Jeff is right, you always have to walk away from the game with some positive thoughts on it, but also focus on one thing that you wish to improve on during the game.

Also, keep a journel of what games you have worked, who your partner was, how it went, 2 good things, and 2 bad things. every week look at it and see if a pattern has formed, maybe you need to make some changes in how you operate your game/officiating.

but, NEVER in a game should a player disrespect you or your partner. usually, if my partner is expierenced enough to fend for himself i'll let him throw the T if he is getting railed on, but if not, throw the T. you have to figure out where and when the T is appropriate, this will come with expierence.


1. Will this individual recieveing the T make the game better for the players?

2. Motives, if the player has a legit fight, hear him/her out, but once they cross the line of disrespecting me or my partner, getting personal, they are out faster than a heartbeat. they may recieve one warning depending on the severaty, but the line has to be drawn and you must do it, control is the a big part of basketball. Do the players respect us? Do thy realize that everything is not permissable? you must get to the point where you are confrotable with your calls. hang in


__________________________
Keep your eye on the prize

Doug

[williebfree]

I was working a tournament game with a very inexperienced partner.

She made a solid call. (Blocking - player driving to the hoop.) The "fouler" got all upset and started a verbal tirade toward her. I gave her a few seconds to react (whack him) and then took care of business. The player was removed from the game (as tournament rules required.)

The "T" definitely had a sombering effect on the increasingly aggressive edge in the game.

After the game, my partner was extremely thankful about my intervention by stepping in and helping her "clear her head and regain her composure".

It was definitely a "learning experience" for her.


P.S. : "WONDERING" your confidence will build with more floor time and discussion with experienced officials, such as those here.

[Doug]

who was this partner willy, i didn't know we had a female reff in our area

[williebfree]

She was my wife and the kids are now in a foster home... (Just Kidding )

I'll 'splain the truth to ya later.

Hope all is well your way!

[Wondering]

Doug's suggestion of keeping a journal and recording who your partner was, how it went and a couple things to work on is a great idea!

I'm also a long-distance runner and I keep such a log for my running. So it makes perfect sense to do the same for my officiating. It will dovetail perfectly with my current list of things to work on.