I felt weird

[icallfouls]

Try telling the players "No thanks, I am full."

To be serious, when this situation arises, try to re-introduce yourself to the table crew instead, or start taking your jacket off, or whatever works. With your back to the players, they might realize that you are busy and move on.

If it is something that really bothers you, bring it up in the pre-game, and discuss how the crew would prefer to handle it.

Like you said though, don't be a turd about it.

[Bearfanmike20]

Originally Posted by icallfouls

Try telling the players "No thanks, I am full."

To be serious, when this situation arises, try to re-introduce yourself to the table crew instead, or start taking your jacket off, or whatever works. With your back to the players, they might realize that you are busy and move on.

If it is something that really bothers you, bring it up in the pre-game, and discuss how the crew would prefer to handle it.

Like you said though, don't be a turd about it.

Ot take the time to go shake the hands of the other team. That shoule ease any issues.

[Rufus]

After being out of officiating for about 8 years, I was very surprised that during introductions the players from both teams came out during introductions, did their typical dance with team-mates while getting psyched up for the game, went to shake the opposing coach's hand, then came over and gave fist bumps to the officials. All-in-all I thought it was pretty neat, to be honest, though like I said, unexpected. This happened in a sub-varsity game but I've sat through a couple of varsity games and seen the same thing.

[icallfouls]

If I remember correctly, there is a specific directive in NCAA that officials are not supposed to shake/bump hands for the very reason that it gives the appearance of favoritism if only one team engages in this practice.

Since Ms. Struckoff also sits on the NFHS Board, I would be inclined to say that this will soon be passed down to the HS level.

[MadCityRef]

In Wisconsin we're not allowed to shake players' hands at intros.
In the past I have had this happen, and it caused me some consternation as well. I kept the "shake" to grasp and a soft "good luck". I tried to show the other team it wasn't my idea, nor was it welcome.

[kbilla]

Originally Posted by MadCityRef

In Wisconsin we're not allowed to shake players' hands at intros.
In the past I have had this happen, and it caused me some consternation as well. I kept the "shake" to grasp and a soft "good luck". I tried to show the other team it wasn't my idea, nor was it welcome.

This to me seems a little silly...it is obvious that you aren't going out looking for anybody's hands to shake...it is right out in the open, who the heck cares?!?!? I can't imagine the other team would care less - if they did their coach could always start doing the same thing the next game! File this under things that officials worry about (with good reason or not) that we have no business worrying about! Fits right in there somewhere around 3.5...

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by icallfouls

If I remember correctly, there is a specific directive in NCAA that officials are not supposed to shake/bump hands for the very reason that it gives the appearance of favoritism if only one team engages in this practice.

I've not heard of this directive. Do you have a reference that I could look at?

[HawkeyeCubP]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

I've not heard of this directive. Do you have a reference that I could look at?

It's in the current Women's Officials' Manual - I believe somewhere in the "pre-game" section.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by icallfouls

If I remember correctly, there is a specific directive in NCAA that officials are not supposed to shake/bump hands for the very reason that it gives the appearance of favoritism if only one team engages in this practice.

Since Ms. Struckoff also sits on the NFHS Board, I would be inclined to say that this will soon be passed down to the HS level.

That's probably something that's going into the new Illinois manual.

Seriously, I would be surprised if the NFHS tried to make a directive like that. If they did, this is one that I would refuse to follow. As I just posted above, all of the kids out here come to the officials before the game. I think that it is a very nice gesture of sportsmanship and respect. For better game management it seems that we should be taking steps to increase our level of communication and rapport with the players, not alienate them.

[armymanjones]

I just think it is a way the coaches are teaching the players sportsmaship and if the other team wanted to bump fists or shake hands they could. Either way when the other team sees that you are caling the game fair it wouldn't matter if they came and gave you a hug........no big deal.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Rufus

After being out of officiating for about 8 years, I was very surprised that during introductions the players from both teams came out during introductions, did their typical dance with team-mates while getting psyched up for the game, went to shake the opposing coach's hand, then came over and gave fist bumps to the officials. All-in-all I thought it was pretty neat, to be honest, though like I said, unexpected. This happened in a sub-varsity game but I've sat through a couple of varsity games and seen the same thing.

That is exactly what happens in ALL of our games around here at the Varsity level. It started a few years ago and has become the norm.

[DonInKansas]

Yeah, we got fist-bumps from one of the teams during my first series the other night. I returned it and moved on. I'm also in Small Town America tho as well.....