I have finally had it and realize its not worth it anymore

[representing]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

As long as you work rec leagues, you'll run into stuff like this. Put the rec league crap behind you and try to move up the ladder.

This is true. I work several different youth and CYO leagues in this area, and they all have their own stupid little rules. They also want the games called differently at the same age-range (i.e. 3rd and 4th graders at one league wants more called than the 3rd and 4th graders in another league). I've had several complaints made against me at this one league, and so have other officials, but I just put it behind me. If they want to "scratch" me from their league, I won't care. I won't be the first, and probably won't be the last.

My 2 cents: There needs to be some sort of biddy league organization, whether by the state or nationally, that will dictate the biddy rules for all biddy leagues so there are no confusions for officials and coaches who officiate/coach several different leagues in an area.

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by representing

My 2 cents: There needs to be some sort of biddy league organization, whether by the state or nationally, that will dictate the biddy rules for all biddy leagues so there are no confusions for officials and coaches who officiate/coach several different leagues in an area.

Really? Why? Who cares? Rec league is not something that needs a governing body. If you don't like it, don't work it.

[biggravy]

I guess to me calling these games is totally different that calling games middle school or higher. I have zero desire to call these games. I too question the need to have real officiating at such a young age.

[tjones1]

This reminds me of what a very respected (now retired) official from my area told me one time...

F-them, feed'em beans.

Hang in there...

[bas2456]

A long time ago, I did a third grade rec league. There was one coach who always gave us problems.

That and he ran every play for his kid.

I hate that adults feel the need to ruin the experience.

[Adam]

I learned something from an official on this board with whom I've worked in the past. At that level, take nothing. They all (players and coaches) need to learn the game still, and giving the refs a hard time will not help them with that. If they have a question, answer, but it better be done respectfully.

No one's job or scholarship is on the line, so they can't use the excuse of too much pressure.

[CoachCER]

As a league director with ages K-8 in my program, my BS-o-meter automatically goes off at the start of the letter, and just gets worse from there.

I don't have an issue with hiring officials and keeping score at that age, although we prefer to train and use the high school players from our varsity program, but I do agree that some parents just take it too far. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned parent/coaches are driven off for similar reasons.

[Adam]

By the way, JPac, just remember, no one who matters thinks anything about that letter. It comes with the territory. I've had an AAU mom come up and ask for my name after the game so she could report me "to AAU."

I told her she could talk to the tournament director, but we did not give her our names. Not out of fear that she'd report us to AAU, just out of principal.

I've had a coach come into the locker room and ask for my name after a rec league game. I was too new, so I gave it to him; nothing came of it. Assigners are used to this crap.

[SAJ]

1. Why would this get sent to your assignor?

2. Didn't really dawn on the the letter writer that the other team might not have actually had any double dribbles.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by representing

My 2 cents: There needs to be some sort of biddy league organization, whether by the state or nationally, that will dictate the biddy rules for all biddy leagues so there are no confusions for officials and coaches who officiate/coach several different leagues in an area.

All rec leagues have different purposes and philosophies. Who's going to enforce your utopian ideal? Or are you joking?

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by representing View Post
My 2 cents: There needs to be some sort of biddy league organization, whether by the state or nationally, that will dictate the biddy rules for all biddy leagues so there are no confusions for officials and coaches who officiate/coach several different leagues in an area.


I don't think the coach was some old lady, but I will go back an re-read the OP.

[rockyroad]

JPaco, if it really bothering you this much (and I can see why it it just on principle) then contact the league administrator and ask that he contact the coach and demand that the coach provide video evidence of this "travesty". It may be an early age for the players, but it's a great time to teach the parents/coaches that there are consequences to taking pot shots at officials...

If the guy can't provide video evidence of you "cheating", then the league admin. should tell him to take a hike. If he does provide some parent's video, then the league admin should make the coach sit down with them and watch it. At the first DD called on the other team, stop the video and tell them to go home and not make accusations like that again.

Will any of that happen? Probably not...but it can't hurt to make the request.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

JPaco, if it really bothering you this much (and I can see why it it just on principle) then contact the league administrator and ask that he contact the coach and demand that the coach provide video evidence of this "travesty". It may be an early age for the players, but it's a great time to teach the parents/coaches that there are consequences to taking pot shots at officials...

If the guy can't provide video evidence of you "cheating", then the league admin. should tell him to take a hike. If he does provide some parent's video, then the league admin should make the coach sit down with them and watch it. At the first DD called on the other team, stop the video and tell them to go home and not make accusations like that again.

Will any of that happen? Probably not...but it can't hurt to make the request.

+1

And then tell the director you want to work the rest of this team's games this season. rocky's right, the coach needs to know how serious these accusations are.

And if you do work their games, don't say a word about any of this.

Again, it might just be me, but I'd clear my schedule just to see the look on the parents' faces.

[Judtech]

I had the same thoughts as ROCKY. You KNOW that there was more than one parent with the omnipresent video camera making sure to get their youngin on cam. I can be a tad more confrontational in these situations, and would ask the assignor of the league to set up a meeting with the coach so the three ofyou could discuss the situation. Oh wait, he wasnt there? Then forget it!
I am thinking this is an Upward Bound league. Our church has one as well, and I was asked to speak to the parents, officials, et al prior to the season (Season 2). As a former player, current official, and current coach, I addressed the need to SUPPORT everyone. NO ONE is out to "get" your child. Coaches should not try to be John Calipari. At the end of the league, if the kids can dribble (with both hands) understand a little of the rules, learn how to make a lay up with/without someone guarding them, and most importantly HAVE FUN, then they had a successful year!!
Ok, so I actually ran one of these type leagues before and that was OUR motto. I used to "quiz" the kids. Let's say a kid picks up their dribble runs a few steps and dribbles again, I would blow my whistle, have the kid come over and ask if they knew what they did wrong. If they didnt know I would tell them, make the "promise" not to do it again, blow the whistle and off we went!! Everyone had fun!!

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Judtech

I am thinking this is an Upward Bound league. Our church has one as well, and I was asked to speak to the parents, officials, et al prior to the season (Season 2). As a former player, current official, and current coach, I addressed the need to SUPPORT everyone. NO ONE is out to "get" your child. Coaches should not try to be John Calipari. At the end of the league, if the kids can dribble (with both hands) understand a little of the rules, learn how to make a lay up with/without someone guarding them, and most importantly HAVE FUN, then they had a successful year!!

Ok, so I actually ran one of these type leagues before and that was OUR motto.

I've been involved with several Wreck Leagues that talk the talk......even sign memos saying they'll be "good parents."

It's all beautiful until you toss the first ball to start the year......then, some parents/coaches just lose their minds!