Got my rankings for this season

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

If the thoughts of the coaches have no impact then why is it a shame to let them rate?

My opinion is that a belief by the coaches that they have any kind of right to evaluate the performance of the game officials is a shame. It forms the very root of the problem.

[bigdog5142]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

My opinion is that a belief by the coaches that they have any kind of right to evaluate the performance of the game officials is a shame. It forms the very root of the problem.

I agree here. Most of the coaches that I officiated for were great people. I have a few "terds" and had to deal with them.

Overall, I'm excited for a new season. I'm disappointed that I can't attend a camp this year...just too busy being a youth pastor...but I hope to next year. In the long run, it's probably better anyway. I officiate varsity for smaller schools and JV/Frosh for the upper divisions in Southeastern Michigan. Give me another year under my belt with lower division varsity and more upper division work...I should be well-positioned in 2009-2010 to gain some varsity contests in the upper divisions. I'll get to know more people along the way with this path.

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

My opinion is that a belief by the coaches that they have any kind of right to evaluate the performance of the game officials is a shame. It forms the very root of the problem.

The very root of what problem?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

The very root of what problem?

Hair loss.

What do think that we are talking about?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

My opinion is that a belief by the coaches that they have any kind of right to evaluate the performance of the game officials is a shame. It forms the very root of the problem.

This forms the heart of a personal rule I have:

Any discussion of ratings or trying to influence my schedule is a flagrant technical (or ejection in baseball). I figure if the coach is going to try to screw with my ability to work, well, why do I need to keep him around? I've only had this happen twice in my career, but both times the coach was shown the gate.

[mick]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

My opinion is that a belief by the coaches that they have any kind of right to evaluate the performance of the game officials is a shame. It forms the very root of the problem.

They do have that right in Michigan.
The MHSAA is directed by the desires of the member schools or their representatives.
The Officials are only independent Subcontractors.

[bigdog5142]

Originally Posted by mick

They do have that right in Michigan.
The MHSAA is directed by the desires of the member schools or their representatives.
The Officials are only independent Subcontractors.

You're right on, Mick. While my regular season schedule may/may not be impacted by ratings (in the bigger associations they are, as I don't know the "big wigs" in my larger association yet)...tournament selections ARE. The MHSAA weighs the coaches ratings HIGHLY when it comes to tournament invitations.

Now...with three games at the varsity level last season, it's not like I'm expecting to be chosen for the tournament any time soon. I DO hope in the next five years or so, however. We'll see how it pans out. But...rankings DEFINITELY play in Michigan.

[pistol]

Coaches are the employers of officials. They have a right to evaluate their employees. Whether their opinions influence your progression depends on your official's association. Their opinions should be taken into consideration but should not be the final evaluation.That should be the job of your league, conference or Association Evaluators whatever applies..
In my experience over 40 years as Referee, Clinician and Evaluator, the great officials all have gained the respect of their employers.(The coaches). Respect the game, the coaches, their players and fans and you will succeed as an official. Show disrespect to any of those 4 entities and you will not progress.
Good communication skills are one of the most important attributes of any official..

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by pistol

Coaches are the employers of officials. They have a right to evaluate their employees. Whether their opinions influence your progression depends on your official's association. Their opinions should be taken into consideration but should not be the final evaluation.That should be the job of your league, conference or Association Evaluators whatever applies..
In my experience over 40 years as Referee, Clinician and Evaluator, the great officials all have gained the respect of their employers.(The coaches). Respect the game, the coaches, their players and fans and you will succeed as an official. Show disrespect to any of those 4 entities and you will not progress.
Good communication skills are one of the most important attributes of any official..

While I agree with your comments concerning gaining the respect of coaches I don't consider them the "employer" of officials.

[pistol]

The bottom line is the people that provide the referee financing are generally the teams (ie coaches, organization whatever) and they meet the definition of employer. Having been a coach I know I at least represented the employer and was expected to speak on his behalf. A mute point.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by pistol

The bottom line is the people that provide the referee financing are generally the teams (ie coaches, organization whatever) and they meet the definition of employer. Having been a coach I know I at least represented the employer and was expected to speak on his behalf. A mute point.

If a coach ever represented him/herself as my employer it definitely would become a mute point, because the converstation would end immediately.