Importance of games

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by deecee

This just sounds like 2 different point of opinions here. JAR, it is unfair for you to ask people to keep their opinions to themselves on a public forum. I do, however get your point, but the greater issue here I think is that one thing a lot of officials have a hard time with is calling a game to the level of the competition.

In a youth game or middle school game how anal are we with the book being ready 10 minutes before? How often do we get the captains and then meet with coaches? How often do we stand opposite the table and observe the warmups for 15 minutes? How much LESS patience do we have with coaches at these levels rather than the varsity level?

I think that what some posters are taking personally should be taken more as a general guideline of perspective. We do not officiate all levels the same, and judgement skews from one side to the other depending on what level you are officiating. Every game I officiate I take pride in and in most cases I hustle until the very end. There have been occassions where I slacked off, but I was still capable of officiating that game at my slacked off state as if I had been hustling or compared to some other officials who might have to work harder.

And I don't think that anyone looks down on an official for the level he works. We just look down on those levels of play after our own experience has taught us that the participants are a bunch of yahoos.

The point of the keep it yourself part was simply trying to discourage derogatory remarks, which might result in negative publicity that we as a group don't need. As far as different approaches to officiating different levels, I personally find it a relief to call varsity games after calling youth league games. When I was first approached about officiating, it was at the jr. high level. I expressed doubts about my own ability to do the job and was told, "Just keep them from killing each other." This was said jokingly, but the idea is based in fact. The biggest problem I see at low levels is officials who will not blow the whistle. This can be a rookie plagued by uncertainty, but it could just as easily be a certified official daydreaming about D1 and thinking "this game doesn't matter."

[Rich]

Originally Posted by just another ref

The point of the keep it yourself part was simply trying to discourage derogatory remarks, which might result in negative publicity that we as a group don't need. As far as different approaches to officiating different levels, I personally find it a relief to call varsity games after calling youth league games. When I was first approached about officiating, it was at the jr. high level. I expressed doubts about my own ability to do the job and was told, "Just keep them from killing each other." This was said jokingly, but the idea is based in fact. The biggest problem I see at low levels is officials who will not blow the whistle. This can be a rookie plagued by uncertainty, but it could just as easily be a certified official daydreaming about D1 and thinking "this game doesn't matter."

Or it could be an official who calls every bit of contact and knows nothing about advantage/disadvantage and has both teams in the double bonus in the first and third quarters.

[Stat-Man]

For me and my perspective, the lower level games can be an enigma at times.

I love the lower levels because the kids are still young enough that they usually play hard all game long from start to finish and are eager to try to learn the game.

As I was telling our AD after our last game this weekend, It's just frustrating to encounter adults that thing it's all about them and not the kids. Coaches who feel that the rule requiring no starters in with a 30 point lead; officials who show no mechnics, no hustle, or admit they don't know and/or won't enforce the league specific rules; and the parents who think their child will be the next pro superstar even though the kid is 10 year old are enough to make anyone (myself included) ask themselves "Why am I at these games?"

I also realize that what happens in a CYO JV game with players in the 9-10 year old range is small potatoes in the grand scheme of life, the people involved -- coaches, game crew (such as myself), etc. -- should at least try to give a good effort and try to do as good a job as possible and ensure the games are played according to the rules (ideally, not just to the letter, but also in the spirit). Yes, I will admit I am a bit particular about subs coming to the timer/scorer to check in and not just waiting at the far ends of the table, but only because I want to get them in the good habits early.

(/my $0.02)