Critical Officiating article from a local news paper.

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

Life is politics.

Your entire post is spot-on, but this is the most true statement of all.

[canuckrefguy]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

Politics is a reality in any organization in any part of life: work, school, dating, civic organizations, officiating, etc. I'm not talking about cloak and dagger stuff, back-stabbing others, stepping on people, or sleeping your way to the top. Though that does go on some places.

I'm talking about knowing how the "system" or "group dynamic" works, and using that knowledge to your advantage, to get into a particular group and move up within it.

The world is full of bitter people who steadfastly refuse to "get" that. You hear them whining about the "good old boy" system and how they're being held down. Most of them think too highly of their own opinions and skills to ever see that they're deficient in some area and THAT holds them back. They make sneering remarks about "sucking up" and how they'll never be one of "those guys." Really they're just unwilling to do what's needed to get positive attention from, and perhaps even build genuine friendships with, those who matter.

In my experience, people who consistently whine about "politics" either don't get how the system works, just don't like how the system works, are too lazy to work the system, believe the system simply owes them, or consider themselves "better" than the system. But all of them blame the system. It's so much easier than taking personal responsibility and making meaningful changes.

But that works to your advantage, if you're willing to work the system.

Life is politics.

Amen, BITS.

In ten years, I have never, EVER seen genuinely capable officials that weren't given opportunities if they sought them out - unless something was holding them back. Sometimes it was a flaw in their game, more often it was a flaw in their attitude.

Stop making excuses.

Start making changes.

Words to live by.

[JustCallIt]

In response to Back In The Saddle's self-serving diatribe in favor of the perpetual buddy club

What an absolute crock. I've been lurking for a long time, but this crock is so bad I had to remember my junk mail box name and register.

Playing good old boy politics is just an excuse for excluding people who are threatening, be it younger people, darker people or people of a different gender or orientation.

The fact is, ability should be paramount in assigning and promoting officials, not being pals. The only people who defend placing politics above ability are the people being protected by the politics. The fact is incompetent people who are buddies get favorable treatment because they are members of the buddy club.

Your answer is to join the buddy club.

Pathetic.

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by ILRef80

One thing I'd like to comment on. I'm one of those young officials and have been a basketball official for 3 years. I'm 27 years old. I work hard, study the rules and feel like I do a great job. Yet, I still see a lot of politics that go on. I worked a few varsity games last year and will work a few more this year but my schedule is mostly filled with JV and JH games and I'm ok with that. I'm concerned about the coming years where it seems that certain assignors and schools continue to hire based on the buddy system. It's very, very discouraging to new officials.

Right on schedule laddy.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by ILRef80

One thing I'd like to comment on. I'm one of those young officials and have been a basketball official for 3 years. I'm 27 years old. I work hard, study the rules and feel like I do a great job. Yet, I still see a lot of politics that go on. I worked a few varsity games last year and will work a few more this year but my schedule is mostly filled with JV and JH games and I'm ok with that. I'm concerned about the coming years where it seems that certain assignors and schools continue to hire based on the buddy system. It's very, very discouraging to new officials.

If you are complaining about politics and you are getting varsity games after only 3 years, do you consider your success political or based on talent? I could make the case that you have a buddy helping you out. If I were you I would be happy that you are even getting any varsity games. There are many officials it took longer to get those games.

Peace

[MadCityRef]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If you are complaining about politics and you are getting varsity games after only 3 years, do you consider your success political or based on talent? I could make the case that you have a buddy helping you out. If I were you I would be happy that you are even getting any varsity games. There are many officials it took longer to get those games.

Peace

Basketball is the worst for politics. Football (IHSA) is most guys are 60 with 30+ years in, but I think coaches have more control on who they see on their games than other sports.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by MadCityRef

Basketball is the worst for politics. Football (IHSA) is most guys are 60 with 30+ years in, but I think coaches have more control on who they see on their games than other sports.

There are more basketball officials than any other sport.

There are fewer slots available per game for officials.

I think Back in the Saddle hit the nail on the head. People use "politics" as an excuse because people are not willing to work within the system.

Peace