THIS had never happened . . . until now!

[bigdogrunnin]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

So in your area the officials who are chummy with the coaches and please them get the games. Not a criticism of you, but rather of the way that your area does it. This is the kind of thing that I find offensive. Not only could it compromise the integrity of the game, but it is grossly unfair to any quality official who is not liked by a coach. The assignor should put who he believes will perform the best on the floor, not who the coaches like.

Actually, it appears that your familiarity with a one of these persons came back to bite you tonight. You are fortunate that this individual did not damage your vehicle.

First, I take great offense to the comment in RED. I am NOT "chummy" with the coaches. In fact, most coaches don't like the fact that when I officiate I am very "matter of fact." And, because you clearly aren't aware of how the system works here, let me provide you with some background . . .

See, the two playoff team’s head coaches meet to decide all types of factors, such as:

1. Where they will play the playoff game.
2. Who will be the home team.
3. What CHAPTER they will use.
4. etc., etc.

The two coaches in this case agreed on the Chapter because both happen to use our Chapter during the season. Then, both coaches submitted lists of officials that they would like to have on the game. Both lists were sent INDEPENDENTLY to our Chapter Assignor. He looked at both lists to find any common officials. There were four, and I was one of the four. Another official was chosen as the alternate after I confirmed that I was available for the game . . . through a phone call with my Chapter Assignor.

Now, that being said, coaches all over the country choose officials all the time. How do you think Steve Welmer gets 120 games every year?? Also, in Texas, especially in the playoffs, most assignments come from the UIL (our governing body for athletics). The UIL calls a chapter close to where the game will be played and then the Chapter’s Board or the President & Assigning Secretary then choose who will be on the game. (Got a couple of those this year too, and a Regional Assignment.)

Finally, I am the #2 RANKED official in our Chapter, so for me, there is NO question of whether or not I deserved the game. And to add, I took it as an honor that both coaches INDEPENDENTLY requested four quality officials and I was fortunate enough to be among them. If that bothers you, or anyone else for that matter, well, there’s nothing I can do about that.

OH, and as for familiarity, it's hard to get "familiar" with a school or team that you call 2 times in a season that runs from October to March. Don't you think??