Massachusetts and Post-Game Handshake/Round 2

[BayStateRef]

At the start of this season, the MIAA asked officials to stay on the court after the game and observe the post-game handshake. (Observing the Handshake)

Now, just a month before the state tournament begins, the problem is back. None of the 13 Massachusetts IAABO boards (who represent the vast majority of officials working in Mass.) would pay the fee to enroll officials with the MIAA. Only enrolled officials may work the state tournament. Without enough officials, the MIAA was rumored to be looking to nearby states for officials and is considering using 2-person crews instead of 3-person crews. It also has asked officials to enroll individually (and to agree to stay on the court for the handshake) and extended the enrollment deadline. MIAA view.

Most IAABO boards are now telling officials to do what they feel is right and they will be supported no matter what they do.

[Rich]

Wow.

And to think I get annoyed when my partner stops to corral the ball on the way off the court.

I hope the MA officials hold their ground. You may lose a few playoff games, but better that then do something you know is wrong.

[Back In The Saddle]

My cynical nature leads me to suspect that some will register individually simply to get a shot at a playoff game. And that bit of self-service may undermine the entire effort.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

My cynical nature leads me to suspect that some will register individually simply to get a shot at a playoff game. And that bit of self-service may undermine the entire effort.

I have officiated with IAABO officials from Mass. and I don't think anybody will be crossing the "picket line" so to speak.

MTD, Sr.

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

I have officiated with IAABO officials from Mass. and I don't think anybody will be crossing the "picket line" so to speak.

MTD, Sr.

I hope you are right.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

I hope you are right.

I hope I am right too. The officials I know would not officiate. And the IAABO officials that I know in Conn. wouldn't go to Mass. to officiate either.

MTD, Sr.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

I have officiated with IAABO officials from Mass. and I don't think anybody will be crossing the "picket line" so to speak.

You're kidding, right?

Wanna bet a game fee that there will be IAABO officials who will sign-up and work?

[BayStateRef]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

I have officiated with IAABO officials from Mass. and I don't think anybody will be crossing the "picket line" so to speak.

I don't think that is accurate. This is a complicated situation and way too political. Individual IAABO boards did not make this decision. It was done by a "state board" to which all IAABO boards have representation and which has the sole authority to negotiate with the MIAA over fees, enrollment and related state-wide matters.

The state board met in emergency session last night and adopted the following: The MSBOA voted unanimously at its November 25, 2007 meeting that its members will not remain to observe the post game handshake. This position has not changed. With regard to the state tournament, individual members may choose to enroll with the MIAA.

I know a lot of officials from my board are not happy with the situation...in part because they had no say in it. I expect many officials will enroll as individual members...with the full blessing of their IAABO boards. Last year there were 1,412 basketball officials enrolled with the MIAA. Of those, 91% enrolled through their IAABO boards; the rest through six smaller independent associations that the MIAA recognizes.

Several members of the Executive Committee of my board have expressed frustration about the situation. They thought the issue was resolved and were quite surprised to learn it had not been.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by BayStateRef

I know a lot of officials from my board are not happy with the situation...in part because they had no say in it. I expect many officials will enroll as individual members...with the full blessing of their IAABO boards.

I had heard that the some IAABO boards had already directed their members NOT to wait around for post-game handshakes either. Is that correct?

[truerookie]

During the regular season I receive games from my local board. Post season, I get games from the state if "IF" I register and send a $6 fee to do post season games without liability insurance just to observe a post game handshake. Nah, I pass.

[ChuckElias]

Newspaper story from Worcester, giving a little bit of the officials' side of the story: http://www.telegram.com/article/2008...35/1009/SPORTS

And before you ask -- no, IAABO is not a union.

[Rich]

Look at this reader comment:

Originally Posted by Some moron

The IABBO referees are there only to get their paycheck and run. We as a non- IABBO board in Western Massachusetts have been at every game assigned and watched the handshake without incident at all levels of play. We are most happy to come to Central Massachusetts and provide quality officials to promote sportsmanship and the game of basketball. We guarantee we will not run off the court at the end of the game and the game will be decided by the play on the court. Shame on IABBO for using safety as a ploy to get their way.

Sounds to me like someone looking for a chance to stab someone in the back. And someone who clearly doesn't understand why we look to leave once the game is over.