What is the forum?

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by theboys

I am compelled to respond to Juulie's comments.

I used to be a semi-active participant in the forum. Like Juulie, I grew tired of the mean-spiritedness of many of the posts so decided to quit participating. No big loss. Heck, I'm not even a referee. But, I will say, I used to tell referee friends about this website. Not anymore. I'm afraid they'd be treated like so many others have been.

Interesting comment.

I've only been involved in the Forum for a few yrs, but I certainly understand the recent comments as above.

For me, the good threads, rules interpretations, advice and comments far outweigh the bad. While I'll occasionally try to inject some sarcasm or humor, I just choose to take the bad with the good and not participate in the negative banter - I just ignore it as best I can.

It would truly be sad though if we didn't get rookies/newbies referred to the site or have others who stumbled upon the site, not use it because they were intimidated, bullied, or insulted. JMO

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by grunewar

It would truly be sad though if we didn't get rookies/newbies... because they were intimidated, bullied, or insulted. JMO

You mean like they are going to be treated on the court?
The purpose of this forum is to teach people about officiating, and that has to include everything, not just the fine points of the rules.

If a person can't take the disagreement and some name-calling on an internet discussion forum, how is he going to handle it during a live game? It is an unfortunate aspect of officiating that one either learns to deal with or one quits because of it. In fact, several studies have shown that the primary reason that newer officials quit is abuse from fans and coaches.

So what difference does it make if someone learns that officiating isn't for him from here or on the court?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Interesting comment.

I've only been involved in the Forum for a few yrs, but I certainly understand the recent comments as above.

For me, the good threads, rules interpretations, advice and comments far outweigh the bad. While I'll occasionally try to inject some sarcasm or humor, I just choose to take the bad with the good and not participate in the negative banter - I just ignore it as best I can.

It would truly be sad though if we didn't get rookies/newbies referred to the site or have others who stumbled upon the site, not use it because they were intimidated, bullied, or insulted. JMO

Once again, welcome to the internet. That goes on at every site I have been to with many subject focuses. People say a lot of things on the internet they would never say in person. And frankly, if you are an official and you cannot handle someone taking you to task here, then officiating is going to be very difficult. It is not the job of this site to mold brand new officials. This site is to discuss officiating and everyone is not going to agree on many aspects of our avocation. Honestly, people that come here need to lighten up when most of these people you will never meet, never work with and will never have to face them for officiating purposes. Why would you care if someone is saying things to you here? I can tell you what they say in real life will be a lot harsher.

Peace