Importance of games

[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."