Conflict of Interest?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

I agree with Rut that just because the question is raised doesn't mean its an automatic answer -- ethics wise, but I do think that when the question is HONESTLY raised, you need to think real hard about whether you want to be in that position. I don't have a problem doing my attended HS's games at the subvarsity level, but wouldn't do it at the varsity level since I don't want to put myself in that position.

I have officiated my HS 5 times and will be working a game with this year for the 6th time. All games were at the varsity level. I might have done a lower level game several years ago, but I honestly cannot remember. In about 3 of those cases I know the visiting team knew I lived and went to this particular HS. I do not think my former HS has won one time. Not because of the officiating, but because they did not play very well. Even one time the coach said something in the media about the way the game was called.

The bottom line is I go out there and do my job. If people want to find a conflict, they will. In my area sometimes people try to make connections to where you live and a region rather than any real conflict (Chicago Area official, Suburban Official, Downstate Official). The bottom line is if you are always worried about a conflict, you will not ever be able to work. You see officials all the time on TV work games with one of the teams in a conference they have worked. That does not automatically mean you are bias or even going to have a bias on some level.

Peace