quote:
Originally posted by mrsref on 01-19-2000 09:53 AM
Ah, but I didn't mention that besides being a referee-on-leave and the coach, I am one of the directors for our basketball organization
Besides, my question to you, as a referee, if you allowed a girl to play with her earrings taped, would be "Are there any other rules that you are going to suspend today? Would you like to tell me about them now or will I find out when it happens?"
Basically, I felt that if he didn't have the guts to take care of the earrings, he wouldn't have the guts to make a big call during the game. Already he has lost credibility with me.
Ohhh, you're right--you didn't say you are one of the directors. Then you absolutely should be enforcing the jewelry rule for all of the teams. If you were "just" one of the coaches in the league, then I think you would best enforce the rule for YOUR team.
Regarding "Are there any other rules you are going to suspend today," I've heard that line before and have used it myself when discussing issues with high school level officials--usually veteran officials who prefer interpreting some things there own way, which is not a good message to send to younger officials. But...we're talking a young girls' league and I think that DOES matter to a point. At a freshman, JV, HS or higher level, it's a non-issue. But I do believe there is room for at least some discretion at the young level. After all, obviously there are lots of calls that are "adjusted" for their skill level--especially travelling calls. It's not an arbitrary decision about what rules to ignore today; it's based on practical reality.
Also, as far as losing credibility, I think a ref's credibility will hinge a lot on how he carries himself on the court and what kinds of calls he makes and ignores (or misses). If I obviously have been working a while and know what I'm doing, my credibility will remain intact with most coaches, because they are most concerned that the game is called consistently and fairly. The occasional permissiveness regarding the earing thing will generally be a non-issue (unless something happens to the girl's ear--then it's: "Oh, oh!"). Good thoughts, though. This is good stuff for consideration and discussion.
Wed Jan 19, 2000, 01:52am
Hybrid Mode
