at what point?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Da Official

There should be a message board rule that states if you don't have supporting documentation to back up your answer you have to preface your answer with the words: "I think" or "I believe".

Not all points of views can be answered with documentation. And even if I gave you some documentation, you might not like the source. You must realize on the internet anyone can say anything. It is your job as a reader to determine who you listen too and who you ignore. The problem is you quoted the least respected individual on this site and any other site I can think of that deals with officiating.

Originally Posted by Da Official

I don't say this to be funny but a lot of us newbies come to this board to get knowledge and a better understanding of the rules.....but I guess if the original poster wanted an opinion then that's apparently what he got....

Newbies need to learn that you do not listen to everyone in officiating no different than you would listen to every doctor, lawyer or real estate agent just because they say something. Some people are going to have more credibility than others. I know when I started I did not listen to everyone because they where a veteran. The longer I have officiated the less I pay attention to more people because I have learned who has credibility and who does not. That is just something they will have to learn.

Peace

[Adam]

Jeff makes some good points. There are guys who've been officiating since 1990 that you really don't want to listen to. There are guys who've been officiating since 2003, however, that might have something important to say. Most people fall somewhere in between; much of what they say should at least be considered; even if you're going to discard it later.

The act of considering it and thinking about it will eventually make you a smarter official.

[Da Official]

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

Since I am fairly new to the site I haven't had a real chance to learn who to weed out in regards to discussions as I try to give everyone a fair shake.

Thanks to all those you take the time to share factual info as I have learned a lot from my few weeks on the boards!

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Da Official

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

Since I am fairly new to the site I haven't had a real chance to learn who to weed out in regards to discussions as I try to give everyone a fair shake.

Thanks to all those you take the time to share factual info as I have learned a lot from my few weeks on the boards!

It will not take long to figure it out. Also, just like the number of years isn't a reliable measure of an official ability, neither is the number of posts.

In fact, some of the best teachers of the game may not have been the best on-court officials. A good official might be a lot better at teaching and communicating what they know than a great official.