Dan,

Because to the kids on the floor (and in the end, that is who we are there to help), that game is THE MOST important game of the day. And they deserve us to do our best for them. Status shouldn't change the effort we put out to referee. Nothing frustrates me more than to go to a "lower status" game like a 7th grade girl's CYO game and see one referee never cross half court the whole game.

1. More often than not the Saturday morning rec league game isn't even the most important part of the day for the kids. It's part of their day.

2. No one is talking about putting out less effort at these lower level games. We're discussing this myth that *ANY* game is as *IMPORTANT* as any other game.

Maybe by three o'clock they're thinking about the PS3 game they are playing, but at 9:30 in the morning, its the most important thing to them. Man are you cynical.

Maybe that is because the person coaching that game ( who doesnt get paid for coaching ) may have had to take non paid time off work to run over and coach the game. Or parents that couldnt get off work to get thier kids to the game on time.

I have no problem with the statement of some games are more important than others, I had a problem with the statement of the lower the level the less concern.

But I guess this is an issue that there will always be disagreement on because of the different reason people officiate sports.

OK, so we can agree that while they are playing the game (assuming they show up) then at that particular time it's the most important thing to them. Or maybe they are thinking about their PS3 game during the 9:30 game.

Who knows.

Anyway, sounds like this myth has been busted.

http://www6.miami.edu/sharklab/image...mythbuster.jpg

I think you're right that these games are very important, and it's also true that they're unimportant. What matters in reffing is to keep the proper perspective. You do the best you can, and pay close attention to every game, regardless of the level. You give it your all while you're there. But there are many games that aren't worth fretting about afterward, and that goes for a lot of varsity and college games, too. Especially in the context of the OP, where it was the partner who was being the jerk, and not the post-er, fuming and stewing after the game is just not worth it. That doesn't mean the game wasn't important.

Jeez, all we need is for someone to say "it's all about the kids" while someone else hums Kumbaya.

Man you are cynical.

;)

I used to be like that, until I found out it wasn't worth it.

Two wrongs do not make a right .... but three lefts do! :D

Sounds like a good joke is in there somewhere...what do you call a depressed cynic with an alchohol problem?

A: ??? (Maybe you call him an ambulance? the coroner? who knows...I can't seem to get the energy to deal with this unimportant stuff...

thats what i said -- I never said the game WASN'T important i just said that to ME i dont think much about them after it is done.

and lets be real basketball is the least *ABOUT THE KIDS*

Its about the money, the sponsors, the kids personal coaches who are hoping that the kid makes it and remembers them, the parents who live through the kids, the coaches who are trying to move up, the school getting visibilty (by entering tournaments that the school should not be in).

All the kids are, are players on a team -- the sanctity of *basketball* ended with the first million dollar contract to put an athletes name on a shoe. Everytime i hear "It's all about the kids" I cringe.

Great show. Especially the episodes where something gets blown up.

Ignats75 and jcarter - you are correct, to a point. When we get out there for that Sat. morning 5th and 6th grade CYO game, there is still a level of professionalism that is expected. I will still run up and down the court. I will still call fouls and violations that fit that game. I will still put in the effort those kids deserve at that game. However, I will not be calling my partners 3 or 4 days in advance to verify time and location. I probably won't be checking the CYO website for updates on rules and procedures. During a TO, I may actually stand by the table and talk to the table crew about the weather.

I'm certainly not going to worry about what a coach in the CYO game tells me about my officiating. I will worry a little more about it after my HS game. I may worry even more when my college assignor tells me something negative. It's just the way it is. There really are "less important" games. If you are just starting out, this CYO game may be <B>your</B> most important game, as well as the kids'. Great; treat it as such. For some it's not. Again, that doesn't mean we give a half-a$$ effort while we're out there, but it does mean it really is treated differently.

Isn't that a bit like saying I like porn movies, especially the porn movies where they have sex?

:p

M&M,

I agree with you. I just don't like the attitude of blowing off the importance of the game. While I am on the court, its worth my total effort.