Church League...Help me God!

[skeeter]

This is my 1st post to the forum but have been browsing for a long time and have really enjoyed the expertise that most of you have.

This is my first year as a ref. I have ref'd (4) 7th-8th grade games so far. Loving it and realizing that I have A LOT to learn.

Now back on topic...

I am scheduled to ref some games for the local church league. I have been told by many that this is the worst league as far as sportmanship but it will be a GREAT learning experience for me. One guy even said "if you can tolerate the players in that league, you can handle any coach." I'm nervous. Now, to the actual question... What's the best way to handle arrogance and unsportsmanlike conduct that may come up. Should I immediately start throwing some T's in hope to get things settled down?

I've got some thick skin (i think) so I don't get my feelings hurt, I just want to make sure that ALL involved have a great time.

Thanks for the respected advise.

SK

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by skeeter

This is my 1st post to the forum but have been browsing for a long time and have really enjoyed the expertise that most of you have.

This is my first year as a ref. I have ref'd (4) 7th-8th grade games so far. Loving it and realizing that I have A LOT to learn.

Now back on topic...

I am scheduled to ref some games for the local church league. I have been told by many that this is the worst league as far as sportmanship but it will be a GREAT learning experience for me. One guy even said "if you can tolerate the players in that league, you can handle any coach." I'm nervous. Now, to the actual question... What's the best way to handle arrogance and unsportsmanlike conduct that may come up. Should I immediately start throwing some T's in hope to get things settled down?

I've got some thick skin (i think) so I don't get my feelings hurt, I just want to make sure that ALL involved have a great time.

Thanks for the respected advise.

SK

Too many variables to answer this, but follow the "wave, warn, whack" philosophy.

[refnrev]

Ah yes, church league sports. The only brawls that begin with prayer! Put up with nothing unsporting. It's supposed to be a good time and foster Christian fellowship. I've seen it done extremely well and I've seen is done very very poorly! Good luck!

[Adam]

Warn and wack, IMO. If you warn, don't warn the same person again.
Don't be afraid to skip the warn, either, if it's really bad.
Sometimes I wish I could go do one of these games.

Sometimes.

[shishstripes]

I understand where people are coming from but as a teacher, I really hate warnings. I have found in my classroom and on the court using directive statements work better. "You need to stop officiating."

If you warn, you better follow through that next time.

[CMHCoachNRef]

Are you doing an adult church league or a youth church league?

If you have done four games total, I would hope that you are NOT doing an adult league. If you are, get the earplugs out and go. Unless you have done many other games before getting licensed (outside the four you mentioned), you will likely will in over your head in this atmosphere. I can only recommend calling what you see. If you want to be invited back, I would not become a T-Machine -- after all, you are new and are prone to being not so good. Try to ignore the comments -- unless they are personal or involve profanity. Follow the three Ws. Good luck!!!

[BktBallRef]

Be calm, be professional, be patient, keep your cool.

When you've had enough, warn and then follow the warning with a T.

[skeeter]

Originally Posted by CMHCoachNRef

Are you doing an adult church league or a youth church league?

If you have done four games total, I would hope that you are NOT doing an adult league. If you are, get the earplugs out and go. Unless you have done many other games before getting licensed (outside the four you mentioned), you will likely will in over your head in this atmosphere. I can only recommend calling what you see. If you want to be invited back, I would not become a T-Machine -- after all, you are new and are prone to being not so good. Try to ignore the comments -- unless they are personal or involve profanity. Follow the three Ws. Good luck!!!

Yes this is adult men league. I am definitely looking forward to the challenge. I am excited about it, and I DO know that I don't have a lot of experience and that's why I want to take this league.

thanks

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I wish I could go do one of these games.

Did you want me to shoot you the assigners email? Be careful what we wish for

I like the advice given to you so far. From the description, it sounds like an adult league?? If so, as previously mentioned you will more than likely be in over your head
But don't fret, the good official welcomes a good challege

From my experiences, if you act like you know what you're doing most of the time the players think you know what you're doing. Hopefully they will "buy your act" & you may possibly catch less grief... being the new guy & all.

Be strong (but calm) with your calls, use your voice in a firm, confident manner. Use good mechanics (5 sec t/i, 10 sec b/c, etc). Talk to the players like grown men instead of kids... this is a different animal.

Originally Posted by skeeter

What's the best way to handle arrogance and unsportsmanlike conduct that may come up. Should I immediately start throwing some T's in hope to get things settled down?

Arrogant players/coaches/partners... who cares! You cannot control that. Control what you can control.

Unsportsmanlike conduct must be dealt with, BUT (keep in mind) what's unsportsmanlike in 7th/8th grade games may/may not be unsportsmanlike worthy in adults games.

As previously mentioned, I wouldn't want to be Mr. T on your first night on the job, but at the same time don't take any crap either. With that said, less is more in our avocation but more so in that environment. If they argue a call, "I hear you. I understand. I'll look at at." have worked well for me, but in a youth game the players simply don't argue any calls with me
ie: T or not T worthy, depends on the level of play IMHO.


Hopefully, this opportunity will inspire you to grow as an official. I started out working kids games then progressed to adults, lower-level HS, varsity, and each new experience has fueled my passion for the craft! At the very least when you get back to your youth games, you should feel that it is easier to manage & your confidence should be way up.
BTW, welcome to the board!!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Ch1town

Did you want me to shoot you the assigners email? Be careful what we wish for

Maybe we could do some off season stuff together. Since I don't really care if I get invited back, though, I'm likely to serve a lot of T.

[WhistlesAndStripes]

Originally Posted by refnrev

Ah yes, church league sports. The only brawls that begin with prayer! Put up with nothing unsporting. It's supposed to be a good time and foster Christian fellowship. I've seen it done extremely well and I've seen is done very very poorly! Good luck!

How do you know it's not Muslims?? Or Jews??

[skeeter]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

How do you know it's not Muslims?? Or Jews??

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.

[ODJ]

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.

[ODJ]

Originally Posted by skeeter

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.

Those expectations most likely will not be met.