For the love of the game?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by slow whistle

Perhaps I should have been a little more clear...my point was that I would not take a side job for $10/hr (which is not what I make when you deduct everything, it is probably closer to $8) even if it allowed me to exercise! $8/hr with exercise is not worth the time spent away from my family, the grief we deal with, etc, etc, if I didn't love the game....

Your point about volleyball for instance is valid, but more than the particular sport, I think it is the level that makes the difference - for instance I know guys who work 3-4 lower level (5-8th grade) games in the time it takes me to work one hs varsity game and they can walk out the door with more than 2X the money (and nowhere near the grief) that I do for the same time committment...maybe they don't love the game I don't know...but if you do this at a relatively high level you must love the game, b/c the money on its own isn't worth it and you can make more doing other things..

Forgive me, but this is BS.

I do it because it's a challenge to me. I don't really give a crap about the game other than I enjoy officiating it. I don't do it "for the kids" and certain not for the coaches.

Why is it so wrong for us to do it FOR OURSELVES?

[deecee]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Forgive me, but this is BS.

I do it because it's a challenge to me. I don't really give a crap about the game other than I enjoy officiating it. I don't do it "for the kids" and certain not for the coaches.

Why is it so wrong for us to do it FOR OURSELVES?

I completly agree -- pats on your back.

[CoachCER]

As a program director, I have encountered the attitude expressed in the OP from time to time, mostly when some complain about how much I choose to pay the officials for our 7th-8th grade rec program. ($25/game, games usually run 55 minutes as we use a running clock.)
My response has always been that I will pay what is needed to officials that will put forth a good effort, and help our league provide a positive, instructive environment.
I never have trouble locating qualified referees willing to call for us, and that is how I like it.

I use parents as volunteer clock operators, and that is enough of a train wreck some games, that I cannot imagine the ice cream pain-like sensations that would fill my brain if I had volunteer officials.