Well here's the deal. I am an "evangelical" Christian and I have high expectations for those who are participating in the league. I also know that there will be many who are in this league that are not Christians and I want to have a great attitude so that people see Christ through me.

I learned by experience to work adult league games only on Sunday or Monday nights. Tuesday maybe. I used to work the Thursday/Friday leagues but those were major trouble as the week's work frustrations were all taken out on the opposition.

Church leagues are similar. Go get physical with someone, let the frustrations out. Set the tone early by calling fouls that need to be called. If they start to get rough, T 'em. You'll know it when you see it.

Adult leagues are similar to girls basketball in that every little thing is contested, in the beginning anyway. Either they'll get tired and calm down, or get tired and rev up. Let the game come to you.

Those expectations most likely will not be met. :)

This is nonsense. Most coaches at a school have the threat of being reported to a higher organization. These idiot adults don't.

If you want to work this dreck, go for it, but don't think you'll learn much from it.

There is a lot to be learned by working this level of ball. There's patience. There's how to deal with hotheaded has-beens. There's how to deal with clueless and abrasive never-weres.

The purpose of most church leagues is not competitive sports. The purpose is fellowship, exercise, and sportsmanship. Don't allow the idiots (and there are always at least a few) to derail the purposes of the game. Don't take crap. Don't lose any sleep over calls you made, didn't make, missed, etc.

Do be professional. Do act the part. Do not be surprised at how many people are completely clueless about what your part is.

Above all, communicate your expectations about player behavior in appropriate ways. Then back up those expectations.

Seriously, the worst that can happen is that you get invited back. :D (No, that wasn't a typo).

I pity da fool who argues with my calls!

http://blacksportsonline.com/index/Mr_T.jpg

Because Muslims and Jews do not attend church.

Thanks ...
 

Snaqwells: Thanks. It's now fixed on my hard drive.

When asked, always explain technical fouls on players to coaches.

Cause then it would be a mosque league or synagogue league :D

To Be More Specific, Piece Of Etrog Cake ...
 

I've actually worked mens synagogue league games. Piece of cake. I'd go back there in a second. Good basketball, and maybe, in terms of game management, the easiest mens league I've ever worked.

I haven't worked any mosque league games yet. Off topic, but I was once assigned a prison league game, actually filled out all the background paperwork, but it was snowed out, and canceled.

men's church league
 

Men's Church League...... the brawl that begins with a prayer......... some things never change. :-)

That would be a first: A church league made up of Muslim and Jewish teams, :D.

MTD, Sr.

Very ecumenical.

Yes, this will be a test of character, yours... If you can put up with the whining and stare-downs on what some players think should have been a foul, then you have passed the hardest part of the test (do I want to officiate) and will have a 'real' game well in hand.

I have to disagree with the idea that there's something he can learn about himself that's important to officiating. A person can love officiating and absolutely hate men's rec leagues; that describes many people, actually.

Fact is, I don't "put up" with the whining and stare downs. I address it quickly and sternly. One warning, if you want, followed by a T the next time he does it (and he will) usually takes care of it. If not, a 2nd T will take care of it.