More handshake idiocy

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

The teams line up and shake hands and the officials are supposed to stand at midcourt to observe this glorious display of good sportsmanship.

I also believe that their jurisdiction ends with the approval of the final score, thus leaving them defenseless, lame ducks.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I also believe that their jurisdiction ends with the approval of the final score, thus leaving them defenseless, lame ducks.

No way I'm approving the score before I leave the court. I want recourse in case someone does or says something stupid.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

No way I'm approving the score before I leave the court. I want recourse in case someone does or says something stupid.

I don't think you have a choice in the Bay State. I'm sure Scrapper1 will confirm, or not confirm this aspect for us.

[Adam]

I think you're right, and it's my 2nd biggest problem with the hand shake garbage.

[Jburt]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I don't think you have a choice in the Bay State. I'm sure Scrapper1 will confirm, or not confirm this aspect for us.

This is correct. The score is confirmed before the PGHS and we as officials do not have any jurisdiction over the PGHS. Its up to the site admin and coaches. My understanding is that fighting will be penalized by the state. The score confirmation has also been an issue with our insurance policy which apparently doesn't include the PGHS since the score has been confirmed.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Jburt

The score is confirmed before the PGHS and we as officials do not have any jurisdiction over the PGHS. Its up to the site admin and coaches. My understanding is that fighting will be penalized by the state.

That makes no sense. If you don't have any jurisdiction to deal with misbehavior, then why do they want you there?

I know that it is an MIAA thing, but the NFHS books directly contradict this policy.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

That makes no sense. If you don't have any jurisdiction to deal with misbehavior, then why do they want you there?

To participate in the warm glow of good sportsmanship. We are literally part of the celebration; no longer officiating, but joining with the rest of the participants to express our mutual respect and admiration for the work the others have done that night. Hold on, I'm tearing up. . .

I know that it is an MIAA thing, but the NFHS books directly contradict this policy.

Sadly, this policy comes directly from Mary Struckoff who issued this ruling at the request of the MIAA.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

To participate in the warm glow of good sportsmanship. We are literally part of the celebration; no longer officiating, but joining with the rest of the participants to express our mutual respect and admiration for the work the others have done that night. Hold on, I'm tearing up. . .

See my post immediately above this one for my thoughts on that point.

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

Sadly, this policy comes directly from Mary Struckoff who issued this ruling at the request of the MIAA.

Huh? Are you saying that Mary drafted the MIAA policy or that she had the NFHS issue something regarding the jurisdiction of NFHS officials over postgame handshakes?

I'm confused here.

[BayStateRef]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

That makes no sense. If you don't have any jurisdiction to deal with misbehavior, then why do they want you there?

I know that it is an MIAA thing, but the NFHS books directly contradict this policy.

Officials do have authority after the score is approved, but only under MIAA rules. Any punishment would not affect the final score.

MIAA Sportsmanship Rule 49.8 states- “Fighting and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties will be within the authority of the official at all times at the contest site. The official’s authority extends to pre and post game oversight.” Implementation of this rule could have future consequences on the offender, but does not affect the final score.

From the MIAA rationale:

The MIAA has a mission “to promote a culture of fairness, respect, responsibility, and civility in sports and to foster initiatives which encourage positive attitudes and behaviors in athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators of all ages in Massachusetts.”

This strategy is an opportunity to utilize the partnership of coach and official as teachers for the expected and programmed outcome of respect for opponent. It adds to providing a positive environment, which has a modeling impact on fans.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by BayStateRef

Officials do have authority after the score is approved, but only under MIAA rules. Any punishment would not affect the final score.

MIAA Sportsmanship Rule 49.8 states- “Fighting and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties will be within the authority of the official at all times at the contest site. The official’s authority extends to pre and post game oversight.” Implementation of this rule could have future consequences on the offender, but does not affect the final score.

From the MIAA rationale:

The MIAA has a mission “to promote a culture of fairness, respect, responsibility, and civility in sports and to foster initiatives which encourage positive attitudes and behaviors in athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators of all ages in Massachusetts.”

This strategy is an opportunity to utilize the partnership of coach and official as teachers for the expected and programmed outcome of respect for opponent. It adds to providing a positive environment, which has a modeling impact on fans.

So the MIAA has, in fact, altered the NFHS rule on this, to which I stated it was contradictory. The official can write some report and the offenders can be sanctioned at a future time, but nothing can be done which will impact that particular game. That is taking away much of the bite from power granted to the officials under NFHS rules. I don't like it.

In other words, they have partially defanged the watch dog, but expect it to still be just as effective.