Gee, I don't want to get involved in all of the other issues....they're way too deep for me.....but from an officiating standpoint, I think that you're making a heckuva mistake if you include coaches as part of your learning process. Their agendas are completely different than ours. The only "right" call that they really care about is a call that will benefit their team. Their knowledge of the rules, mechanics, etc. is generally not good enough to be of any value either.

No good is going to come out of pre-game conversations with coaches, Rev.

Let me be clear in saying that my conversation with this coach prior to the game was purely social. He recognized me and came to chat. During the course of the conversation he mentioned the game in question. I did not and would not ask this coach or any other coach for advice on mechanics or rules interpretation.

My point is, when making a call, such as the 2-10 call we made in that same tournament, I hear what the coach is saying and then go home and make sure that I got the call right. As it turns out, the coach was right and I was wrong in the 2-10 situation. Now I know and will not miss it next time. If I'd of had the attitude, "I don't care what the coach says; I think I'm right" then, I would continue to get 2-10 situations wrong every time.

At the point I am at in my officiating career, I try to take every opportunity to learn something that will make me a better official. If it is a word from a coach, so be it.

And let me be just as clear that imo it's just as bad to socialize with a coach before a game. Perception is reality. And the "reality" to anyone watching is that you're just having a good ol' time chatting up your dear friend, the coach.

If you want to socialize, get a room.....a room where nobody can see you.

Note that I'm past the point where I'm saying this for your benefit. You obviously disagree. That's fine with me; that's <b>your</b> right. I'd just like other new officials to think about what the image of an official and a coach socializing publicly before a game looks like to the other team, it's coaching staff, supporters, etc., not to mention your partners. As I said, to them perception is reality.

Btw, my association makes it easy for it's members. We simply inserted in our "Code of Conduct" that thou shall not socialize with <b>anyone</b> before games.

Again, it's jmo. But my opinion is that your pre-game socializing is gonna jump up and bite you in your hassock one day.

The next time I'm on time for a tournament game and find the schedule behind 45 minutes, and a coach approaches me, I'll pick up my suitcase and run for the dressing room. That would be far more professional. :rolleyes:

I didn't want to socialize, but obviously the coach did. Do you remember me saying anything about the coach approaching me?

No, actually I don't disagree. Perhaps you should go back and read where I acknowledged that this is not a good practice. That is why I do not make a practice of it.

Do you blow everything out of proportion like this?

That would be a great big YES. I wouldn't run, but I would say hello and then excuse myself to find the officials' dressing room.

MTD, Sr.

You needn't run, but anything more than about a 30-second conversation should likely be avoided.

I am going to have to say something here. I agree that you should not talk to coaches, but that is not always easy in tournament situations. Whether it is when you enter the gym or in the hospitality room, you will come in contact with coaches.

The thing I would recommend that most officials do is to go to a part of the gym that you are not going to be an easy target for someone to approach you. Usually that means sitting high in the stands away from most incoming traffic if you are going to watch an early game or a game after your game. I think being professional as an official is saying basically hi and bye and keeping conversations at a minimum.

Peace

Normally, I arrive at and leave the gym with the crew. There is never a problem this way. However, in a tournament setting, the crew may not be able to arrive at the same time. It is good advice to seek an inconspicuous place to wait out of the traffic area.

In this specific instance, I was sitting just outside the dressing room door watching the game.

Hey, like I've already stated, I could care less what you do. You've made it quite clear that you don't agree with me, or anyone else. That's fine. You want to socialize? Then socialize. Don't put it down as being "professional" though. It's sureasheck isn't imo.

Perhaps when you've learned to comprehend what you read we can continue this discussion. :eek:

You do understand, don't you, that this means that you really do care what I do. Did you mean to say, "I couldn't care less what you do?" :D

That's not a very Christian attitude.

RevRef -- I wish this discussion hadn't gotten so testy. You are a welcome (to me) member of this board, and I hope you won't be chased away. Sometimes Rutledge and sometimes Jurassic can become, well, grouchy. And sometimes either of them can appear to be grouchy by the way the words appear on the screen. You just have to learn to walk away from the discussion by saying.....



wait for it.....



Thank you.

Strongly.

Sooo...please list the professions that in your opinion do not require a high standard of integrity. Other than politician.