Why We Ref

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

PS This is one reason that I believe that an age limit is a necessity for a HS association. It saves a great deal of hassle.

Naw, I don't agree with that. Every official is different. I knew when it was time for me to back off. However, there are officials here older than I am that are still reliable and able to do the job. It just depends on the person.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Naw, I don't agree with that. Every official is different. I knew when it was time for me to back off. However, there are officials here older than I am that are still reliable and able to do the job. It just depends on the person.

And if each person is judged upon merit that's fine, but the problem is that they are not. I've seen certain old-timers get preferential treatment while others were not dealt with in the same manner.
Friendships and other such factors enter into it and that is where the system breaks down.

Pass a fitness test, pass a rules test, pass an eye exam, earn a certain score from an objective evaluation on the court...and I'd be fine with it, but we both know that isn't what happens in most places.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Pass a fitness test, pass a rules test, pass an eye exam, earn a certain score from an objective evaluation on the court...and I'd be fine with it, but we both know that isn't what happens in most places.

I've worked with officials that weren't particularly fit, never had good marks on the exam and didn't have good eyesight either. They sureasheck could pass an objective evaluation test though because they were great officials.

I could care less if an official can run like a deer, see everything and get 100% on all their exams. I care if they can officiate. Being pretty don't mean squat.

[grunewar]

I ref for the money and the groupies.

Seriously though, I hope when/if I am no longer capable of doing "the job" and if I personally don't see it, someone has the "stones" to take me aside and let me know. It's called "tough love."

As a manager for many yrs you need to counsel, mentor, provide evaluations, tell people they're not going to get promoted or a raise, etc. Tough, but it must be done. Those Sr. in the Association's should have this responsibility - gotta take the good with the bad. JMO

[Terrapins Fan]

Originally Posted by grunewar

I ref for the money and the groupies.

Chicks dig the stripes!

[Bearfanmike20]

In order

1. The game... I love sports in general and I cant play... so.. this is the next best thing

2. Its a release. I have 2 very young kids, and honestly.. Getting out of the house is good.

3. The kids... Its good to be able to teach kids the rules of the game by being a good official.

4. The challenge. Learning the rules... enforcing the rules... doing it right.

5. Exersice.... need to get and keep in shape.

6. The money. I still can believe we get paid for this.


My take on the older ref... Let him.. dont let him do important games.. varsity.. but.. if he wants to ref lower level games... Let him. as long as hes switching on fouls.... so what if hes not as fast down the court. The lower levels can use good refs to teach us young pups. I've worked with a coulple of older guys who cant get down the court, and on fast breaks... If I beat them to half court... I just continued. I know its not a proven mechanic, but in these lower level games.. I'm still fast enough to beat all these kids end to end and then the call is still right. The older guys appreciated it too, and I can still refer to them when I have questions. It all works out.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Being pretty don't mean squat.

I never mentioned your good looks.