Attacked at a Game

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Rita C

He wrote it well. It's just difficult to read on a computer when there aren't paragraphs. I tried "underlining" going line by line to make it easier to follow.

Rita

I'm with Rita...I saw that it was a big 50 line block of text and I moved on. It was not worth my time to read a post composed so poorly. As she said, communication is not just the words but is the format....and this is about as bad a format as can be had short of deliberate malformatting.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by greatgamer

The other problem, stems from the structural layout of these forums. I also own a VBulletin forum, but I have a different setup, so that the membership profile and info align to the left (therxforum.com), as a column, as opposed to this place's setup, where it aligns on top of the posts. This can be extremely problematic, as the lines of words end up stretching the entire width of the monitor, and it can cause the reader to lose their place in the paragraph. This layout is a huge no-no in webdesign, which I've also studied extensively.

I like that layout even less. Unless the post is long, it makes you scroll through lots of empty space between each post....the bio takes up 20-30 lines in many forums and that is paired with posts that are usually 2-5 lines. If the paragraphs are too wide, you can alway change the size of the window and the text will rearrange to fit.

[bigdogrunnin]

Originally Posted by RANCHMAN

I officiated a tournament Girls Varsity game in North Zulch, Texas. It involved a game between North Zulch, and a team they should have easily defeated, (since they obviously wanted to advance in their own tournament). I think the root of the problem that I encountered was the result of a girl’s varsity game that I officiated in North Zulch last year. After North Zulch lost a close game, the female coach approached me and began explaining how my partner and I stole the game from them, and continued her tantrum with her arms flinging, etc. In the tournament game I am referring to today, everything seemed to be fine in the first half because North Zulch girls had a lead. From my standpoint the head coach only questioned three violations I called on a young lady on her team. In each case I yelled “get out of the lane” several times and she would just not move, so I had no choice but to call three second violations. In the third quarter after the opposing team took the lead, the coach for North Zulch began showing a growing antagonism toward me. She at one point yelled across court why I called a palming violation on one of her girls when her hand was not under the ball. I told her that the ball did not have to placed on the bottom of the ball to have a violation in this case. My co-official, and I had called several traveling, double dribbles, and palming violations on this particular young lady. Early in the fourth quarter with the opponent leading by about twelve points, I was handing the ball to a player for a throw in when the coach yelled something, so I looked over at her, and she yelled back very loudly “I AM NOT TALKING TO YOU”! During the next time out I asked my co-official to change sides with me because I had spent the majority of the third quarter, and part of the fourth quarter along the bleachers that the North Zulch fans were occupying, and explained to him that the fans were making some really nasty remarks to me (I heard a fan call me a dumb b*****d, and several other names that of course upset me). He moved over for me, then with about 1:20 left in the game, and North Zulch down by ten points I handed the ball to an opposing player for a throw in, and started my count. At that time I noticed a North Zulch player holding a hand full of jersey, so I called a holding violation. The North Zulch coach yelled very loudly across the court where everyone could hear her “YOU WILL NEVER OFFICATE HERE AGAIN”! (she said it twice). After the game I walked to the refs changing room, and noticed two officials that I have a tremendous amount of respect for standing outside the dressing room door, so I said my hellos. I then turned toward the front of the gym to leave when the North Zulch coach grabbed the left arm of my jacket and told me to follow her because she wanted to talk to me. When I turned to follow her one of the officials tugged my other arm and told me not to do that. At that point in a very nasty voice she told me that I would NEVER officiate in North Zulch again, did I understand! I then lost my composure, and I think I said something really unprofessional like,( I would not lower myself to officiate a bunch of white trash in this town again). The referee then pulled my arm, so that I was moving toward the front door of the gym. She followed but I really cannot remember exactly what she, and I said, but after the few steps it took to reach the front of the gym, the coach’s son punched me I think in the right top of my shoulder or neck, but I cannot remember. This was not a kid; he looked to be in his late twenty’s. At that time I tried my best to get to him for that cheap shot, but both officials grabbed me and prevented me from getting to him. I struggled to reach him, but I finally came to my senses and gave up. By this time I was outside, and the female coach was threatening to call the police etc. so one of the officials walked me to my car, and said if I needed to contact he or the other official, they would be happy to give their input the way they viewed the situation. I just feel this coach could have just contacted the chapter if she did not like my officiating instead of handling the situation the way she did. She knew that nothing positive was going to happen by confronting me, other than an unpleasant situation. Even though my co-official called a large number of violations against North Zulch, the coach nor fans really blamed him because he resides in that general community, and it seemed like allot of people knew him at that game. I called this game the way I saw it, and really if North Zulch had scored on just a fifth of the open shots they had, the game would have been a blow out. With recent events at this town, i.e., a brawl between players, and fans last year during in a game with a team in the general vicinity, which was caused by racial slurs aimed at the black players on the opposing team, and a statement by my co-official about a biracial referee in our association that was called a n…….over and over again, and how sick he felt about it, I wonder why I am officiating. This is my third year, and I have been told that I have a good chance of getting playoff games this year. I stay in excellent shape, read every article I can find regarding rules, and mechanics, because I want to be as competent as possible, because I know the kids, fans, and coaches expect it. I do not officiate for the money; it’s about the love of the game, and watching the kids play. I have turned in a complaint to the Texas Association of Sports Officials; however I have allot of soul searching to do because I have noticed that fans are getting more abusive. Before I forget I wanted to mention how thankful I am for all of the officials that contribute to this forum. I have received a wealth of knowledge, so keep up the good work, and I will continue to visit the web site even if I decide to move on.
I wish you all a very Blessed and Safe Holiday!

Sincerely,
Mark

Tough read, no doubt. But, readable.

Sorry to hear about your trials and tribulations. I, too, call in Texas, and I have heard stories about this particular school, and if memory serves me correctly, they are currently on probation for an incident that occurred last season during a basketball game (fans and players in a big brawl).

As for the situation . . .

Coach yells at me the first time, WHACK. When she yells across the floor (or anywhere else for that matter) that "you will never call/officiate here again," and it is "SEE YA!" WHACK! Do not ever let a coach say that to you without a consequence. EVER! (Emphasis added!). As soon as the game is over, you call your assignor or chapter president and let them know exactly what happened. Fill out the TASO/UIL Incident Report and let them handle the rest.

As for talking to a coach, fan, parent, player, after the game . . . don't do it. NOTHING good will come of it.

I also agree with an earlier poster (or two) . . . come to the game dressed professionally, then after the game allot time to shower and change back into your "regular" clothes before you leave. There likley won't be anyone waiting for you then.

Finally, hang in there. Don't let one idiot coach ruin your experience and take your joy. It's not worth it.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

It was not worth my time to read a post composed so poorly. .

Good grief...

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

It was not worth my time to read a post composed so poorly.

But it was worth your time to post about it? You have strange priorities.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by fiasco

But it was worth your time to post about it? You have strange priorities.

Nice fiasco!! I like it...

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by fiasco

but it was worth your time to post about it? You have strange priorities.

+1

[OHBBREF]

Ranchman,
Forget about the english comments!

You said you are an official of three years your partner is of how many years?

I do not work in Texas durring the school season however I work a couple of AAU tourneys down there in the summer, and I do know that they take their BB seriously. Sometimes too seriously, however, as others have said those things that happened on the floor were under your control, and you AND your partner needed to deal with them in some manner, have a quick conversation with the coach or as most have said Whack her once Whack her twice! She would not have lasted in my game as you describe it.

Off the floor;
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, engage in any conversation with a coach or fan after a game, especially if you have had trouble with them in the past.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, let a coach touch you or try to direct you somewhere.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, open your mouth in anger at a coach or fan.

You need to report the assault, however since you opened your mouth there are problems, that might mitigate the assault.

You need to file a complaint with your assigning group, the state regulatory group and the conference the school is in, also encourage those present to either join your complaint or file their own.

for the most part you need to file this one away as a learning experience, review what happened on the floor and how you could have dealt with what happened more decisively and nipped the problems early on.

It seems from your post that there was about a 15 - 20 point swing in the score from second to fourth quarter. Maybe if coach spent more time woring about what the opponents were doing to beat her instaed of the calls being made she would have been in the game.


If you can contact the opposing school and get a game tape, make a copy and keep it use it as a training tool for your self - give the other one to someone in authority that can put it to good use.

Good luck and stay in touch there are a lot of people here who can help you.

[Mregor]

Only difference I would add is that instead of you sticking her for her comments towards you, your partner should have. That way it doesn't look like it's all you. Of course this is not 100% for all situations, but in this situation where it was across the floor, it would be very easy for your partner to give the T. Just my opinion, take it for what you paid for it.

Roger

Originally Posted by Mregor

Only difference I would add is that instead of you sticking her for her comments towards you, your partner should have. That way it doesn't look like it's all you. Of course this is not 100% for all situations, but in this situation where it was across the floor, it would be very easy for your partner to give the T. Just my opinion, take it for what you paid for it.

Roger

I had this situation (but reversed) a couple seasons ago. My partner is just taking it from a coach every trip down the floor (tableside). I couldn't take it anymore so I came from the endline opposite table to stick the coach.

Partner & coach has been my best buddies everytime we cross paths.

[Adam]

In general, I think an official should handle his own stuff. An example is the coach's first yell in the OP, "I wasn't talking to you!" That's a T if she's yelling it to me, but I probably won't get involved if she's talking to my partner and he chooses not to get involved. I might be more inclined to jump in if my partner is in his first two years at the level we're working.

OTOH, the threat gets my flagrant every time, regardless if it's to me or a partner.

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by Mregor

Only difference I would add is that instead of you sticking her for her comments towards you, your partner should have. That way it doesn't look like it's all you. Of course this is not 100% for all situations, but in this situation where it was across the floor, it would be very easy for your partner to give the T. Just my opinion, take it for what you paid for it.

Roger

I have to disagree here. If the comments are directed at me, I want to be the one who handles it. I appear weak if my partner has to come past me to take care of my business. Now if my partner won't take care of his business, and it's making US look bad, I will take care of it for him. But I would prefer for him to take care of it himself.

[RCBSports]

Originally Posted by RookieDude

Just a few things...take em' or leave em'.

* Show strength in your games...through demeanor, mechanics, rules knowledge etc.

* Don't "YELL" at anyone...just say what needs to be said and move on.

* Don't get emotional...stay calm and cool in the face of calamity.

* Get thicker skin when dealing with fans...don't have "rabbit ears".

* Take care of business...if a coach/player needs it...whack em'.

* Stay away from volatile coaches after the game...nothing good can happen.

Those are just a few items to think about...

I agree with this as well as the post afterwords. I really don't see how you didn't whack that coach with a T. Normally I give them a warning then the second they start doing the same crap, bam! Don't take crap from the coaches...seriously, you may not want to seem like a hardass but you have to do your job and that's to call the game. And allowing that coach to yell at you like that is against the rules. So next time whack em/

As for the list above, I agree with it all. After the game, go straight to your dressing room and stay there. As for me, I am a student athletic director at my high school...yes, I am a junior...and what I do is I escort the referees to the room before/after/and during half time. No one touches them, period. And they normally stay about 20 min after the game anyway.

Then you make a sneaky move out to your car and go along with your day.

A lot of repeats, yea, but this is where ya gotta learn from!

Take care!

[Mregor]

Originally Posted by Ch1town

I had this situation (but reversed) a couple seasons ago. My partner is just taking it from a coach every trip down the floor (tableside). I couldn't take it anymore so I came from the endline opposite table to stick the coach.

Partner & coach has been my best buddies everytime we cross paths.

It all depends on the partner. Some will say, "I can take care of myself" and others will say, "Thanks for having my back." I've had both. Now I'm in a place where we do 2-person and have regular partner so we go with the "get my back and I'll get yours". Works well for us.

Roger

[swkansasref33]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

So this "young" official sends in a situation which was obviously quite upsetting to him, and the best you can do is criticize his typing skills??? Get a life there in Kansas, would you.

it doesnt appear to me that he was criticizing his typing skills... just that he might edit it to make it easier to read. it was a little hard for me to follow due to the length and the fact that there are no breaks. just my 2 cents