Names

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I could see a potential problem if you tend to remember one team's names more than the other and then tend to call Team A's players by name and have to refer to Team B's players by number. They might feel slighted, or that you're favoring one team over another. Small point, but if I always treat both teams the same (referring to a player by number), then no one can say I'm favoring anyone over anyone else.

Agreed.....I usually will get two down from each team, but that doesn't mean I know all of the players and I have worried about a coach hearing me call the other team's player by name and being upset or feeling slighted.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Agreed.....I usually will get two down from each team, but that doesn't mean I know all of the players and I have worried about a coach hearing me call the other team's player by name and being upset or feeling slighted.

Seriously, just refer to them by their numbers. It's easier and it's what's expected.

[stripes]

I try to remember the "speaking" captain's name for every game. I get much better response by using their name rather than their number. It works for me, but I have no problem with other officials not doing it. I only have to deal with the player myself and not as my partner.

If it doesn't work for you/fit in with your philosophy, don't do it.

BTW, last night's captains were Cole (home) and Garrett (visitor).

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by stripes

I try to remember the "speaking" captain's name for every game. I get much better response by using their name rather than their number. It works for me, but I have no problem with other officials not doing it. I only have to deal with the player myself and not as my partner.

If it doesn't work for you/fit in with your philosophy, don't do it.

BTW, last night's captains were Cole (home) and Garrett (visitor).

I'll bet you've got one of those brains that's just hardwired to work like a salesman's brain.

[9redskin4]

I read an article in "Officials Quarterly" a while back. I don't remember the mans name, but it was written by a long time baseball umpire that works the HS level quite a bit. The article addressed this very thing and as BITS says, it has led to some positive things. The umpire related that coaches, players, officials, and others all respond differently when they know you care enough to remember their name.

I was working a tournament last night and had a few minutes between games. As I was waiting, a team entered the gym that had been to the tournament in prior years and as the coach entered, I said hello and addressed him by his first name. A while later, he came to me and told me thanks for remembering him and I can only assume that good things will come from that if I do one of his games. (like when I blow a call, he won't be quite so upset)

[Adam]

Originally Posted by 9redskin4

I read an article in "Officials Quarterly" a while back. I don't remember the mans name, but it was written by a long time baseball umpire that works the HS level quite a bit. The article addressed this very thing and as BITS says, it has led to some positive things. The umpire related that coaches, players, officials, and others all respond differently when they know you care enough to remember their name.

I was working a tournament last night and had a few minutes between games. As I was waiting, a team entered the gym that had been to the tournament in prior years and as the coach entered, I said hello and addressed him by his first name. A while later, he came to me and told me thanks for remembering him and I can only assume that good things will come from that if I do one of his games. (like when I blow a call, he won't be quite so upset)

I wouldn't assume this.

[Smitty]

Looking at it from a different perspective, whenever a coach decides to remember my first name and uses it the whole game when addressing me, it only irritates me. I feel like half the time he's trying, unsuccessfully, to be my pal, and the other half he's being condescending. No thanks. Don't like it.

[btaylor64]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Looking at it from a different perspective, whenever a coach decides to remember my first name and uses it the whole game when addressing me, it only irritates me. I feel like half the time he's trying, unsuccessfully, to be my pal, and the other half he's being condescending. No thanks. Don't like it.

Personally I think the coach is trying to be a professional. Its not about being your buddy, its about professional respect. In your profession, do you care less about knowing any of the names of your coworkers?

I'm a big fan of knowing as many names as I can possibly retain, even my security rep and the people who work for him, table staff as well granted its not always possible because its just so many names!

[Juulie Downs]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Looking at it from a different perspective, whenever a coach decides to remember my first name and uses it the whole game when addressing me, it only irritates me. I feel like half the time he's trying, unsuccessfully, to be my pal, and the other half he's being condescending. No thanks. Don't like it.

I feel that way, mostly. My very first ever real game (had done a couple scrimmages), the coach kept referring to me by name. Hollering my name across the floor. I was so clueless about my own job, that I mostly had no clue what he was saying. I really didn't understand the points he was trying to make, so I just ignored him. But it got under my skin. It really felt like he was "working" me, which he was, but not by what he said, just by the fact that he was using my name. I'm with Smitty, I don't like it.

And, hey Smitty, how are you? I'm back for reals this year, and missing you.

[stripes]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Looking at it from a different perspective, whenever a coach decides to remember my first name and uses it the whole game when addressing me, it only irritates me. I feel like half the time he's trying, unsuccessfully, to be my pal, and the other half he's being condescending. No thanks. Don't like it.

Totally disagree. Same principle...you get better response with a name. If you don't want a coach using your name, let the coach know to address you differently.

[Back In The Saddle]

I think what you're attempting to do could have a really positive up side. I'd encourage you to run with it and see where it takes you. Unfortunately I don't have any good memory aid ideas for you.