Patches

[Rich]

Originally Posted by tomegun

I think the whole "Patched" terminology and language is ridiculous and many comments in this thread are the reason why. To say someone is going to get patched says nothing of their ability to officiate a game well. Whether someone wears a patch or not is no indication of their training or ability.

Nobody's ever said anything to me about not wearing a patch. Of course, in Wisconsin we don't wear any.

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Nobody's ever said anything to me about not wearing a patch. Of course, in Wisconsin we don't wear any.

You don't where you are, but I'm sure you've read someone say something like, "I think I will get patched next year" or something similar. My comment had to do with the fact that a patch alone, or the process involved with getting one, doesn't make an official a good official. This may be something that is very misunderstood by the fans.

[BillyMac]

On our local IAABO board, the "first" year official is considered a "probationary" member, which simply means that he, or she, has passed the written test before the season began, usually after attending about a dozen rules clinics. Once they pass the written test, they attend several mechanics clinics, after which they are eligible to accept subvarsity assignments, middle school, freshman, or junior varsity games. Toward the end of the season, they must pass a floor exam, after which they become full members of our local board, which is signified by the new member receiving his, or her, patch at our final board meeting of the season.

I agree with those who posted that an unpatched official can be a very good official, especially those who may have had previous experience outside our IAABO organization. I also agree that a patched official can be a very poor official, especially if he, or she, doesn't take advantage of camps, clinics, colleague critiques, etc.

Fans in our area seem to recognize the meaning of the patch. As is our custom, varsity officials must observe about three periods of the junior varsity game, that usually precedes our varsity game. We often hear fans reacting to a "bad" call by a "probationary" member, that the official "doesn't have a patch".

[Mark Padgett]

I think we should all wear this patch. I bet coaches would stop giving us crap.

[RookieDude]

...or patches like these....

http://www.friscohellsangels.com/

enter at your own risk...

[Rich]

Originally Posted by tomegun

You don't where you are, but I'm sure you've read someone say something like, "I think I will get patched next year" or something similar. My comment had to do with the fact that a patch alone, or the process involved with getting one, doesn't make an official a good official. This may be something that is very misunderstood by the fans.

I've worked in more states with patches than not. And when I'd move to another state it would be time for a new wardrobe.

But they give ANYONE a state patch in places where I live. You sends your money, you gets your patches. Worthless.

[BillyMac]

Is getting a patch anything like becoming a "Made Man"?