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

[Adam]

Again, I agree with Rut.
This is similar to those who questioned Rick Harzell's (athletic director at Northern Iowa and D-1 official) ability to officiate games that might possibly maybe potentially have a marginal impact on his program if lots of chips fell in the right place.

If you look hard enough....

[just another ref]

Even if you go to a place you have never been to call a game and don't know a soul, by the time one quarter is over, some small prejudice, real or imagined, will be created either in your mind or someone else's. One team is outmanned and you feel sorry for them. One team or coach has attitude which you find unpleasant. The fans may not like you, for whatever reason. The first three calls go against their team, it could be a racial thing, whatever. When the fans start chanting, "Find a tall tree, and hang the referee," it can be disconcerting.
There will be something to overcome, large or small, in this job. Take the game, wherever it is, and do your best to call it straight down the line.

[wisref2]

I agree - if you have to think about it - avoid the situation. Just turned down a game this week. The public school from my city (where I am well-known) played the cross-town rival private school (8 miles away) and they wanted me to work the varsity game. It's a huge rivalry, neighbors and cousins playing against each other. That's a no-win situation for me so I declined.

I have worked non-conference varsity football games in which the son of one of my crew was playing - but only because both coaches knew it and have requested our crew for their game for the last 8 years.

[jeffpea]

If I were an assignor, I would NEVER put you on a game in C or D. Not sure how I would know about the other situations listed, but I would expect you to inform me that these situations exist. You may work that game better than anyone else, but the mere perception that there is a conflict of interest is enough to make me adjust the assignment. Why would I want to deal with that potential problem when I can simply make life easier for everyone and avoid it? It is a no win situation for everyone, so just avoid it.

IMHO, if an assignor ever put you on a game where C or D occurs, he's not assigning the game - he just looking for warm bodies....


A. When coach is a friend?
B. The High School you attended?
C. Your kids games?
D. Your brother is the coach?
E. Your bosses kids playing?
F. Girlfriends kids playing?