2 or 3 Man

[Texas Aggie]

3 man all the way. Not really a money thing for me anymore. I doubt seriously I'll accept a 2 man non-varsity assignment next year, and even the varsity 2 mans are getting scarce.

We are having problems with our younger officials who work 3 man during camps and then don't work it at all during the season. Even some varsity officials get maybe 5-8 3 man games during the year and none after December. You can't get better at 3 man mechanics by working it only 18 times a year. I've suggested that we go 3 man in all high school games which would ensure training of officials and might encourage some older guys to accept sub-varsity assignments on nights they don't have a varsity game.

State associations need to stand up to school districts, many of whom would probably put the fees for an additional official in their budget if they get the notice in time. That's one thing we've heard and while I suspect some districts are saying that as an excuse, for many its true. We've been working 5 man in JV football games for 2 decades around here. No reason not to go to 3 man in HS basketball.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

3 man all the way. Not really a money thing for me anymore. I doubt seriously I'll accept a 2 man non-varsity assignment next year, and even the varsity 2 mans are getting scarce.

Nor is it for me now nor has it ever been....I'd have probably made more over the span of my career if I didn't referee. But there are a lot of people for whom the dollars matter.

Plus it's the principle of it. I think it is a fairly universal opinion that HS officials are underpaid for the job they do....with all the time and effort that is expended along with all the abuse that is heaped on them.

How any anyone can feel it is reasonable to suggest officials work 50% more games (that is what it would take to cover every 2-person game with 3 officials) for the same money is beyond my imagination. Would any of use be willing to work an extra 20 hours a week at our jobs (for free) if our employer made it just a little easier and got a better result from us at the same time?

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Would any of use be willing to work an extra 20 hours a week

Camron - did you mean "us" or "youse"? Either one makes sense.

[zebraman]

3 person, without a doubt.

I agree, in theory, with those who say you should not have to take a pay cut. Here in Washington State, we were already one of the lowest-paying states in the country from what I can tell. Just under $50.00 per game plus an average about $15.00 per official for travel per game when we were two-person.

Our state's schools were dead-set against 3-person if it cost them one cent more. The only way our WOA could get 3-person implemented was to offer the schools 3 officials for the price of 2 for a 3-year test period. Now there is no going back to two-person and the fees will be going up regularly for several years.

Yes, it was painful for the officials who depend on the money, but the officiating for the kids is much, much better. In reality, we now generally send 3 officials to do 2 games so the take-home per night is more. It has extended the careers of some of our excellent veterans who would have otherwise probably quit or just done college ball only had we not gone to 3-person.