AAU Warmups
 

Well, its that time again for AAU and I had my first 3 games on last Saturday. I almost forgot how crazy parents can be as well as coaches. I didnt give out any "T's" this weekend, but my partner was about too. Anybody else starting AAU yet?

For some odd reason no one calls me to work AAU games. Any idea why?

You and me both. I guess becuase I don't tolerate those coaches and Parents...

I am sure you will get some this weekend whereas I wont because I am out of town on business.

SUCH a privilege to work these types of games. I worked a couple of games a few weeks ago and about 2 minutes into the second quarter, I'm whacking one of the coaches. God's gift to coaching, I suppose. Typically these tournaments match an experienced guy with a warm body and we're able to get through them. There is little reward in working them however.

I disagree with that statment (there is little reward). There are a lot of rewards. Doing AAU has tremendously help me in my high school season, especially dealing with the coaches and players. Not to mention it keep me in shape during the off season and keeps me sharp for the College Camps.

I will disagree as well. I had one last night that was so heated and good. It was a low low level college game. I had a college game the night before and I felt I should have gotten paid more for the AAU game than I did the college game. It was a truly a more difficult game to ref than my college game.

Wanna bet?

Why would you say that?

I'll take this discussion off-line...I'll email you.

I love AAU games
 

In my area (Houston), we have several organizations that have teams at several ages. The coaches have been doing it for years and know what they are doing. The play is far above regular school games for that age group. Of course, there are some that are not in the league. Usually its the assstant coaches that become fools, and I quick comment to the head coach to take care of it is usually enough.

AAU gives me good games to work on mechanics. Also, anything can and will happen in these games.

I enjoy doing 13 and up on the boys side and 15 and up for the girls. AAU ball here is pretty big time, as the National Directors run the local programs, so the play here is actually pretty good. One of the local coaches is a pain in the butt, but has learned from experience that I won't tolerate his garbage and he adjusts accordingly.

Maybe there is a reward for you. For me and many others, there is absolutely no reward. AAU might have decent talent, but there is little to no structure. Also we get more than enough basketball with HS teams and local HS leagues. Sometimes the leagues are better than most AAU because teams that play each other during the season play each other during regular season. The teams are actually running their offenses and defensive sets. In my case most officials that work them are accomplished officials. It is rare that I am working with a brand spanking new officials who has never seen ball at this level. I guess it just depends on where you live. No value as far as I am concerned other than money.

Peace

I wouldn't go that far, I enjoy working AAU or they couldn't pay me enough to do it. Why do I enjoy it? Usually see guys I work with during the season as well as HS players, HS coaches and often enough local college coaches. I even ran into a college sophomore with a 17U team, I asked him if he was coaching he said no. I told him I wouldn't turn him in but I also told him he was out of his mind to show up and play for that team.

Why do I not like it?

Players & coaches can sometimes be a pain, but to tell you the truth thay doesn't last very long. What comes from the fannies I pay no mind to.

Other than that, it's not a bad way to make a little extra cash.

Dan,

I am speaking for me. I am not speaking for you or any other official. There are people that like to cut themselves with a razor blade until they constantly bleed. That does not mean everyone else finds this appealing. ;)

Peace