Should Women Officials Seek A Mentor Of The Same Sex?

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by AK ref SE


Why even bring up Gender or race?

AK ref SE

Because it matters. For those of us that are involved in professions or anything for that where we are a great minority (by number, not social status necessarily) it is very helpful to have role-models that have similar background and understanding of what you are to face. This is not about political correctness, this is about reality. And if you have ever been a women or a game with a women during a boy's or men's college game, the coaches treat them drastically differently than the average male. They very much might have to know what to do or how to handle themselves without losing their cool or feeling that the world is against them. But the issue is much bigger than that and I know I do not go to certain individuals if they do not look like me. If I work in mostly rural or "cow" towns and I am the only person of my persuasion there, I think I might have a different set of challenges that someone that looks like the entire crowd or all the players and coaches on the floor. I know several white people that will not even set foot in and all-Black school to play another all-Black school. For someone Black or Hispanic we do this on the regular.

I do not think Charles Barkley made comments about any official in the way that he did about Violet Palmer. At least not calling them basically a "girl" and not being able to keep up with the Men on the court. I think that might be very gender specific. Women officials I think understand that and should seek that advice. But at the same time, you should have several types of people to help you out and should.

Peace