Venting

[kbilla]

Originally Posted by grunewar

KB -

I have seen those of which you speak and don't enjoy working with "them" myself. While I still have a lot to learn, I vow never to become one of "them" - overweight, out of shape, don't run, don't keep up with the rules, seem not to care, in it for the $, etc. It is disheartening to see - especially for younger or newer officials who are looking to learn from the more seasoned officials.

I certainly have my problems, but I like to think they are from omission and lack of seasoning - not commission (as in something I could change but choose not to).

In my limited time, I believe I have seen more conscientious refs out there than the kind of which you speak.

Absolutely, give me someone who is new and learning ANY day over someone who has done it for 20 years and thinks that means they don't have to work...where else are you gonna learn, that is the perfect environment for it, as long as you are there for the right reasons...

I hope you are right that there are more out there, I know as you move up the chain that all changes obviously, it just seems that as there are more and more leagues & games and basketball becomes more of a year-round sport, the level of officiating at the lower levels has become extremely watered down and you are starting to attract the wrong kind of people...

[grunewar]

I have had some excellent seasoned officials help me tremendously and some very critical evaluators who have taught me a lot. Most have done it the right way and set an example I want to follow. I try not to be too judgemental though, as I wonder what people think about me........

[bob jenkins]

Here's another way to look at it:

Those are the accepted mechanics for that league / level. IF you don't like those mechanics, don't do that league.

I'm not saying it's right, just a different viewpoint.

[Junker]

I agree with Bob. If you're not enjoying yourself, don't work the games. Personally, I don't work the weekend stuff anymore because the quality of play is poor, the sportsmanship isn't always good, and I don't like working 2 man mechanics. I will say, I am guilty of taking some of these tournaments over the summer for some quick cash for important items like a new sand wedge or something. Let's face it, if they didn't pay us, we probably wouldn't be out there.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Junker

Let's face it, if they didn't pay us, we probably wouldn't be out there.

Shocked! I am shocked that you would suggest such a thing!

[kbilla]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Here's another way to look at it:

Those are the accepted mechanics for that league / level. IF you don't like those mechanics, don't do that league.

I'm not saying it's right, just a different viewpoint.

I wouldn't call laziness a mechanic, but that is the problem that it IS "accepted"...you are right though I do it to myself and will continue to phase these games out, I just hate seeing it, like I said it is basically stealing money and irritates me to no end...

[NewNCref]

KB-

It can be frustrating sometimes, I know, but you've got to remember why YOU do, and not worry about why others do it. Get out there, give 110%, and know that when you take that paycheck home, you earned it.

Also, maybe try to help some of the weak refs. I've found that sometimes people don't hustle or switch is because they feel as if even if they did those things, they wouldn't be able to do a good job. Sure there are those that are just in it for the money, but I'm sure you could find plenty who are just new to things.

The most important thing we can do as officials is to help other officials in any way we can. I'm by no measure a "veteran," but even I can find ways to help new officials, sometimes just assuring them that something they're getting ripped on evaluations for is the same thing I, and other rookies, got ripped for. Then, sometimes I can help them by showing them how I corrected the problem.

KB, you've obviously got a love for the game, and all you can do is get out there and show it!