What is important to you as an Official

[TheOracle]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Not a criticism - just want to point out the sometimes toughness and empathy can be at odds with each other. Finding the "right" balance can be a real challenge.

You are 100% correct, Mark, as usual. They can conflict and cause problems when they do. However, when I was able to understand how the coaches and players view officials, both from the big perspective and on individual calls, it made a huge difference. No different than being a parent, you need the people skills to make your points in the right way. To me, once you have good judgment, the whole key to officiating is knowing how to communicate with partners, coaches, and players to make the game right and enjoyable for everyone. Sometimes you have to be like a parent to the players, sometimes like a spouse to the coaches, and sometimes actually be a prison warden to all of them. That balance is what the truly great ones find. I look for it every game, even "wreck" ball.

Empathy also helps in working with your partners. Nobody has the same philosophies or judgment, but if you can understand were they come from, it's really easy to work with everyone. Nobody goes out to try and do things wrong.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by TheOracle

You are 100% correct, Mark, as usual.

If you think that, then you are 100% incorrect, as usual.

[socalreff]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

If you think that, then you are 100% incorrect, as usual.

I resemble that remark.

[TheOracle]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

If you think that, then you are 100% incorrect, as usual.

Touche. I'm still laughing about the Saddam Hussein as a partner and the picture of him you posted when I said I can and would work with anyone. You crack me up.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by TheOracle

You are 100% correct, Mark, as usual.

I suggest that nothing about Padgett is "usual."

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by just another ref

I suggest that nothing about Padgett is "usual."

Unless I'm suspected of something.

[Corndog89]

Originally Posted by TheOracle

Judgment, toughness, empathy.

Just curious why you would identify empathy as an important element of officiating?

Empathy: 1. Identification with and understanding of another's feelings, situation, and motives. 2. Attribution of one's own feelings to an object. (Webster's II New Collegiate Dictionary)

[socalreff]

Originally Posted by Corndog89

Just curious why you would identify empathy as an important element of officiating?

Empathy: 1. Identification with and understanding of another's feelings, situation, and motives. 2. Attribution of one's own feelings to an object. (Webster's II New Collegiate Dictionary)

You gotta be able to see things from the coaches' perspective in order to achieve long term success. They have to feel that you understand their point of view in order for them to be comfortable with you on their game. Remember, the assignors work for the schools (coaches) not for us.

[Lcubed48]

Originally Posted by IREFU2

I have been asked to speak at a local University, to a group of students taking an Officiating Class and I am just trying to get some ideas from this group of experiece officials. The question is:

"what is important to you as an Offiicial?"

"What are three words that come to mind as an official?"

Please provide me your input. One word that comes to mind for me is Integrity...

Thanks in advance.

Good luck with your talk. As in officiating, remember to relax and have fun. And let us know how it went.

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by IREFU2

I have been asked to speak at a local University, to a group of students taking an Officiating Class and I am just trying to get some ideas from this group of experiece officials. The question is:

"what is important to you as an Offiicial?"

"What are three words that come to mind as an official?"

Please provide me your input. One word that comes to mind for me is Integrity...

Thanks in advance.

"What are three words that come to mind as an official?"

"You're gone, coach"

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by fullor30

"What are three words that come to mind as an official?"

It's your round.

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

It's your round.

Ha!

[daveg144]

"The game is about the players"

Six words I say to myself before every game.