1 and 1 flop

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by BktBallRef


No matter what level the game is, the kids deserve better than two guys who are still learning the ropes. There's a lot that can go wrong with two rookies on the floor. Lots of situations that they won't be able to handle from a rules standpoint. The case in point is a perfect example.

There's nothing wrong with taking a leadership role but there's a reason that they don't privates in charge of armies. Young officials should be paired with a more experienced partner. You didn't learn everything that you know on your own and neither did anyone else. We need to mentor young officials and give back to the game. If you don't care to do that, that's fine. But there's a huge need for it.

TH, maybe they deserve better, but that does not mean they are going to get it. And just because two rookies work together, does not mean that they would be much worse or care less than some veterans that are doing the game just to pass the time. Or better yet, officials that have not learned the game since they were rookies. Yes, in an ideal world you would not like to put two people that do not know what they are doing, but because they are rookies, does not mean that applies to just them. Some of the worst officials that I have ever met are veterans. I have met many rookies that some veterans could not hold their jock on a bad day.

BTW, the most experienced, most seasoned refs do not want to do the lower levels anyway. And even if they wanted too, they would not have the time. With the family responsibilities, and work responsibilities, you only have so many times in a week to work a game. I am single and working lower level games (and I mean lower than HS in this case), it is hard to work a game at 4:30 in the afternoon. So many times officials less experienced than myself are officiating games like that. You just tend to have rookies. And it might not even be scheduled that way. After the 3rd person got off the game because they got a better game, or have family obligations to tend to, or just could not get off work in time, it is not all that common that young officials work together. At least where I live.

Peace



[Edited by JRutledge on Nov 8th, 2001 at 02:01 PM]