Giving back games??

[doubleringer]

That can be a tough call. There is no sure answer without knowing your assignor. Some assignors can be very easy to work with and understanding of varsity opportunities, others may not. There are plenty of assignors that post here and I'm sure some of them will chime in. I would think most assignors would understand giving back one or two because of varsity opportunities, but you may not want to give back any more than that. Is there any chance you can find your own subs for the sub-varsity stuff? If you can take that route, it may help ease the fact that you're taking other opportunities.

[jdmara]

I do agree that some assignors may not mind returning games as well. Perhaps they have someone that is looking to pick up more JV games. Talking with the assignor to see if someone else is looking to pick some up wouldn't be a problem, in my opinion.

On the other hand, "accidentally" double-booking a date and dropping the JV game is something that might not get recognized once or twice but will be caught eventually and ruin your relationship with the assignors

-Josh

[Adam]

Agreed, being up front is the best way to go. It prevents (or at least reduces) hard feelings down the road.

Although turnbacks may be frowned upon, there are always exceptions to the rule(s). It's the way you go about it that matters most.

Turning back a varsity game for a higher level varsity game is one thing, but moving up a level should be understandable. College guys get pulled off HS games all the time around here, thus lower-level guys get bumped up to varsity games.

If any of the new varsity dates conflict with your existing lower-level dates, I would try to find tentative replacements. Contact the lower-level assignor & tell him of your opportunity to work the varsity level. Let him know the dates conflict with his, but you have a few replacements for him to choose from lined up for those dates. Then ask if you have his blessings in advancing to the next level.

That way all your bases are covered! You never want to burn bridges because you may not get a full varsity schedule & might need some lower-level games to fill your schedule. The lower-level assignor may become the varsity &/or college assignor someday... you never know.
Just my opinion.

What part of the country are you in that gives basketball assignment before football starts? And why would they give lower-level before varsity? Just curious...

[Adam]

When I was in Iowa, most of the small schools had their assignments done a year ahead of time. Right now, folks are likely filling their varsity dates for the 09-10 season. Of course, there aren't assigners involved, for the most part.

[Tio]

Originally Posted by Ch1town

Although turnbacks may be frowned upon, there are always exceptions to the rule(s). It's the way you go about it that matters most.

Turning back a varsity game for a higher level varsity game is one thing, but moving up a level should be understandable. College guys get pulled off HS games all the time around here, thus lower-level guys get bumped up to varsity games.

If any of the new varsity dates conflict with your existing lower-level dates, I would try to find tentative replacements. Contact the lower-level assignor & tell him of your opportunity to work the varsity level. Let him know the dates conflict with his, but you have a few replacements for him to choose from lined up for those dates. Then ask if you have his blessings in advancing to the next level.

That way all your bases are covered! You never want to burn bridges because you may not get a full varsity schedule & might need some lower-level games to fill your schedule. The lower-level assignor may become the varsity &/or college assignor someday... you never know.
Just my opinion.

What part of the country are in that gives basketball assignment before football starts? And why would they give lower-level before varsity? Just curious...

I agree except that the assignor should be the one finding the replacement unless it is specific policy to find your own sub. You may be assessed a turnback fee that you will have to live with. It sounds to me like the Varsity games are your priority and you shouldn't feel bad about taking an upper level game. Just be courteous and call the assignor asap so he can fill the spot. It shouldn't be a problem as the season doesn't start for 3 months.

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

When I was in Iowa, most of the small schools had their assignments done a year ahead of time.

Wow, that's what I call getting 'er done!

Originally Posted by Tio

I agree except that the assignor should be the one finding the replacement unless it is specific policy to find your own sub.

True... but I've come to find that being proactive in this avocation can take you a long way. The assignor may be busy or sick & may not feel like filling that game, but by you taking it upon yourself to find tentative replacements (guys who are available on said night) that's one less thing he has to do.
I never said actually give the game away, just tentative

[Grail]

My solution has always been to contact the JV assigner and let them know that I have an offer to work a Varsity game. I also let them know that I understand that I have a contract for the underclass game, and I will honor my contract if they are unwilling to let me out of it. I also let the Varsity assignor know that I have a conflict and will have to clear it first.

This way, I haven't pissed off either assignor. For what it's worth, all of the JV assignors have appreciated my acknowledgment that I have a contract and am obligated to honor it, unless they release me. So far, I have not had to turn down a varsity assignment due to a conflict.

[Tio]

I think you owe it to yourself to take the higher level game. Your supervisor should be happy that you have been assigned an upper level game and not hold it against you. The more varsity officials that work on his staff give him credibility than if all of his officials were lousy and not getting better.

If the assignor is bitter and were to take it out on you, I would question whether you want to work for him in the first place.

[Y2Koach]

It would probably help if you asked this exact question to your assignors. They might be able to give you the best insight on the etiquette of your particular area/association/situation. That way you are not basing your decision making on internet advice given without context of your specific real life situation.