Pecking order

[tomegun]

Rut, you have mentioned repeatedly that how things are depend on where you live. If I'm reading your comment right, you are saying you are tired of hearing about politics on this site. If that is the case, you should just ignore it because sometimes people have to vent. I have been in highly political associations and associations that simply put the best officials on the floor. I understand where both sides are coming from and I don't think there is anything wrong with the discussion.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by tomegun

Rut, you have mentioned repeatedly that how things are depend on where you live. If I'm reading your comment right, you are saying you are tired of hearing about politics on this site. If that is the case, you should just ignore it because sometimes people have to vent. I have been in highly political associations and associations that simply put the best officials on the floor. I understand where both sides are coming from and I don't think there is anything wrong with the discussion.

Tommy,

My point is that we all deal with it on some level. I am not totally convinced that everyone is hindered in their career by politics. I think a lot of people do not do the things they are supposed to do and when they do not get opportunities they say it is "politics" when actually it is them being lazy or not doing the right things. I live in a highly political area too. But we have people here that think they deserve to work varsity games just because one guy gives them games in some other conference. Well, the reality is that you are almost never going to work for someone if they have never seen you work. That means you probably have to go to someone's camp to get hired. That might mean you have to go to multiple camps. Take time out of your busy schedule. But if you think some assignor is just going to fire someone else that is reliable and has the respect of his conference for some guy that works in a conference that no one respects, you are crazy. Because in my area when guys say this, I start asking questions of what they do and it becomes obvious for a lot of reasons why they are not getting hired in certain places. And most of those things are self inflicted. I am sure that varies from one area to another. But I think it is often blown out of proportion. I could be wrong, but it sounds like a crutch for many people.

Peace

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Tommy,

My point is that we all deal with it on some level. I am not totally convinced that everyone is hindered in their career by politics. I think a lot of people do not do the things they are supposed to do and when they do not get opportunities they say it is "politics" when actually it is them being lazy or not doing the right things. I live in a highly political area too. But we have people here that think they deserve to work varsity games just because one guy gives them games in some other conference. Well, the reality is that you are almost never going to work for someone if they have never seen you work. That means you probably have to go to someone's camp to get hired. That might mean you have to go to multiple camps. Take time out of your busy schedule. But if you think some assignor is just going to fire someone else that is reliable and has the respect of his conference for some guy that works in a conference that no one respects, you are crazy. Because in my area when guys say this, I start asking questions of what they do and it becomes obvious for a lot of reasons why they are not getting hired in certain places. And most of those things are self inflicted. I am sure that varies from one area to another. But I think it is often blown out of proportion. I could be wrong, but it sounds like a crutch for many people.

Peace

The tread has meandered somewhat as the point originally was related to the acceptance of lower level HS officials by Varsity guys and the views of officials either now or when they were moving up.

I do agree Jeff, that I see officials complain about their schedule or the politics and yet, make no effort to improve themselves either by attending camps or being active in their associations. It can be frustrating though, if you put the time and effort into it and you are good not to get the schedule you want.

It is what it is and I don't ever see the system changing.

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Tommy,

My point is that we all deal with it on some level. I am not totally convinced that everyone is hindered in their career by politics. I think a lot of people do not do the things they are supposed to do and when they do not get opportunities they say it is "politics" when actually it is them being lazy or not doing the right things. I live in a highly political area too. But we have people here that think they deserve to work varsity games just because one guy gives them games in some other conference. Well, the reality is that you are almost never going to work for someone if they have never seen you work. That means you probably have to go to someone's camp to get hired. That might mean you have to go to multiple camps. Take time out of your busy schedule. But if you think some assignor is just going to fire someone else that is reliable and has the respect of his conference for some guy that works in a conference that no one respects, you are crazy. Because in my area when guys say this, I start asking questions of what they do and it becomes obvious for a lot of reasons why they are not getting hired in certain places. And most of those things are self inflicted. I am sure that varies from one area to another. But I think it is often blown out of proportion. I could be wrong, but it sounds like a crutch for many people.

Peace

Now you are saying something different and something I agree with. IMO, many people want to talk their way into a big game, better assignments, etc. People have been coming up to me this season complaining about their ranking and wanting to go before the board. My suggestion is to prove it on the court and stop talking about it. If you remember, I've talked about having a camp for people from this board and there is always an open invitation for forum members to officiate in some of the tournaments in Vegas.

There have been several times in our meetings this year when someone has made a remark and I turn to someone I know and ask, "Can he work?" Most of the time the answer is no. I think we have a problem, in high school officiating, with people wanting things simply because they have been warming the chair for X amount of years. If you want more, the first step is to become a better official. Politics will still exist once that is taken care of and there really isn't an answer at that point.

[JRutledge]

Tommy,

Without a doubt you got it (the point that is).

Peace

[shavano]

Our association is pretty small ( 40 total officials). I'm in my sophomore season.

We run the gamut with seniority and experience; from guys with 30+ years to this year's cadet class of 9. Without an exception, the Senior Officials (purposely & respectfully capialized) go out of their way to coach, counsel, positively critique, and improve the officiating experience for those with less experience. Those that have an open ear, and a willing, learning attitude will advance to the upper divisions. I've been fortunate to move to a FR/JV/ limited V schedule this season.

Speaking personally, I could not have asked for a better group of folks to work with. I'm looking forward to many more years with my basketball officiating "family", and to stepping into a mentor and senior role myself in a few seasons.

[mutantducky]

that sounds good Coach2Ref-
even if it is just a half.
maybe it will spread

"It is still very much a work-in-progress, but varsity crews are now paired with FR/JV crews for all league games. On the boys side, all FR//JV crews are 3-man crews to give the newer officials experience in 3-man mechanics prior to moving up to the varsity level. At least one, and in many cases two or three of the varsity offiicials will watch part of the FR game and ALL of the JV game. Lots of interaction at halftime from a mentoring standpoint. Frequently, the FR/JV officials stay to watch at least half of the varsity game (and come in for the varsity halftime discussion)."

[BillyMac]

Here in my little corner of Connecticut, varsity officials are strongly encouraged to be there for the tipoff of the junior varsity game, and to offer some constructive criticism, and encouragement, to the junior varsity officials during their halftime. Likewise, junior varsity officials are strongly encouraged to stay for at least half or the varsity game, and to observe the halftime varsity pow wow. Funny thing, most varsity officials do this most of the time. I can't say the same for the junior varsity officials (see earlier post).