Importance of games

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by just another ref

This is the idea I was hoping to promote, and while I would not presume to censor anyone, I thought perhaps some might think twice before giving replies which cast a negative light on any other poster's game/league, no matter what level is being discussed.

Sorry, not going to happen. I guess you will continue to be upset. Because if some parent comes here yelling about how the officials screwed their child’s game as if this was the 7th game of the NBA Finals or the Final Four, you will not get a response that will not show some perspective. It might not even come from me; it will come from many that post here.

Nice try, but it will not work.

Peace

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Sorry, not going to happen. I guess you will continue to be upset. Because if some parent comes here yelling about how the officials screwed their child’s game as if this was the 7th game of the NBA Finals or the Final Four, you will not get a response that will not show some perspective. It might not even come from me; it will come from many that post here.

Nice try, but it will not work.

Peace

It is fine to have perspective:

First time poster: Last night in my 10 year old girl's game the other team repeatedly reached in and went over the back and they didn't call any fouls.

Response: You need to understand the rule on what actually is or is not a foul............etc. Also at this level, it is quite possible that the officials have limited experience.......etc. A game involving players of this age is difficult to compare to high school games or things you see on tv.........etc.

But it's not necessary to smack someone in the face with your perspective:

Response #2: Sir/ma'am, it's obvious you know nothing about the game and combined with the fact that it's just a kids game, which means it had clueless officials, there's really no point in any of us trying to explain anything to you. We have important issues to discuss, like what shoes the D1 guys wear.



Each of us must decide who he wants to be.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by just another ref

It is fine to have perspective:

First time poster: Last night in my 10 year old girl's game the other team repeatedly reached in and went over the back and they didn't call any fouls.

Response: You need to understand the rule on what actually is or is not a foul............etc. Also at this level, it is quite possible that the officials have limited experience.......etc. A game involving players of this age is difficult to compare to high school games or things you see on tv.........etc.

But it's not necessary to smack someone in the face with your perspective:

Response #2: Sir/ma'am, it's obvious you know nothing about the game and combined with the fact that it's just a kids game, which means it had clueless officials, there's really no point in any of us trying to explain anything to you. We have important issues to discuss, like what shoes the D1 guys wear.

Each of us must decide who he wants to be.

Either you do not read many posts or you are reading what you want to read.

I do not read on a regular basis people just coming out and saying, "it is just a kid’s game" without some explanation or trying to help the person out. Usually the people that are not officials come here want only to have their positions validated and do not come here for an honest discussion or a real official's point of view. Considering that this is an official's website, things like shoes and pants and other aspects are going to be "important" to someone.

Just like you cannot dictate how people respond to people that come here and talk about what is or is not important, you cannot tell people what they can talk about either. And you are definitely not telling people how to feel about games at any level. Just like there are people here that do not care about the NBA, but there are others that do. If those conversations bother you, do not read them. To expect everyone is going to treat a kids game, men's league or rec. league the same as a college or high school game is rather silly and unrealistic. It is not going to change because it upsets you.

Peace

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Sorry, not going to happen. I guess you will continue to be upset. Because if some parent comes here yelling about how the officials screwed their child’s game as if this was the 7th game of the NBA Finals or the Final Four, you will not get a response that will not show some perspective. It might not even come from me; it will come from many that post here.

Nice try, but it will not work.

Peace

Werd.

At the end of the day, NONE of us are doing brain surgery. A lot of people at all levels can use a little perspective. It *is* just a game.

If those 5th grade championship games were as important *to me*, I'd be seeking to work them, instead of making a conscious decision to *not* work them. When a parent of a 9 year old comes here and rants, I think they typically get exactly what they deserve.

[cardinalfan]

My older son played at junior college, and my younger son now plays at a D3 school.

I think I have a pretty good perspective of when basketball should be taken a little more seriously.
I tried calling college ball, but my work schedule wouldn't allow it. I prefer high school.

Each year I go down to the local school to watch friends' kids play elementary ball. I leave with a smile on my face after watching parents yell like fools, coaches try strategy they've seen on ESPN, and officials who use atrocious mechanics and don't know the rules.
If some of those officials can use this forum to improve, I say more power to you. Who am I to judge what level you want to call? But let's keep it in perspective, guys!

[cardinalfan]

FWIW, my son informed me last weekend that he signed up to officiate intramural basketball games this spring after his college season is finished. (probably not a good idea, but I appreciate him wanting to make a little extra spending money!). He told me he'd like to get together one day and let me give him and a couple of buddies a few tips to get started.

I told him he would need a whistle with a pea in it, a shirt with a collar, a duffel bag, and to be sure to come to the game already in uniform.

I figure that way he doesn't have anyway to go but up!

[dsqrddgd909]

Originally Posted by cardinalfan

I told him he would need a whistle with a pea in it, a shirt with a collar, a duffel bag, and to be sure to come to the game already in uniform.

I figure that way he doesn't have anyway to go but up!

I'm so new that I haven't yet become registered (can't until MHSAA opens the registration period). I get everything else, but why no duffel bag? What do you use instead?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by dsqrddgd909

I'm so new that I haven't yet become registered (can't until MHSAA opens the registration period). I get everything else, but why no duffel bag? What do you use instead?

This is a good question, and it's a regional thing. I use a roller-style carry-on suitcase, and most of the officials here do the same. In my last association, duffel bags were the norm (possibly because a roller-suitcase doesn't work well in mountain snow, or possibly because they were cheapskates and no one cared. They also wore belted pants because they were cheaper and you could buy them locally.)

[cardinalfan]

Originally Posted by dsqrddgd909

I'm so new that I haven't yet become registered (can't until MHSAA opens the registration period). I get everything else, but why no duffel bag? What do you use instead?

Welcome!

There have been several... let's say debates... on duffel bags vs. rolling bags (along with shoes, whistles, brands of shirts, etc). I was just trying to lighten up the mood, bringing up a couple of things that have been tossed around on here.

[dsqrddgd909]

Thanks. I want to "make a good impession on my first day."

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

If those 5th grade championship games were as important *to me*, I'd be seeking to work them, instead of making a conscious decision to *not* work them. When a parent of a 9 year old comes here and rants, I think they typically get exactly what they deserve.

Exactly!!!!!!

Peace

[mj]

As a parent of a 10 yr old that plays (we don't call it a traveling league but we do play a handful of local tournaments) and obviously an official also, I realize what type of people we're getting to officiate his games. Quite frankly, I am more than gracious to them as I know they'd rather be doing something else. I always make it a point to say thanks to them if our paths cross after the games. I even draw ire from the Mrs. when I call out a one of the parents for chastising any of the "brothers" during the game.

[williebfree]

Originally Posted by mj

... I even draw ire from the Mrs. when I call out a one of the parents for chastising any of the "brothers" during the game.

THANK YOU "Brother"!... I too have been given a solid rib-shot by Mrs. Willie for advocating positive crowd behavior.

I have had a bad string of games where "brothers" of the cloth have either been inert; or even worse, participants in chastising the officials. Sadly our spineless local association is so ineffective that it isn't worth the effort to breach the subject with the so-called "leadership."