When is it too late to turnback a game ???????

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by bigdog5142

I just wanted to ask you, Jurassic, what you think about this same situation when an assignor gives no respect to anyone. I'm in a situation where the assignor does not wish to know anyone that he assigns unless you go to his camp in the summer. I cannot attend his camp due to my real job. He willingly assigns me Frosh and JV games, but will not assign me Varsity until I fork over the money to attend his camp (and even then it's not a guarantee). I do not turn back many games, as I feel like that's not fair. However, this season he is assigning games in two-week blocks rather than the entire season. (He's a college ref and college assignor as well.) I officiate for two other assignors in my area and am moving up in their ranks as I am doing many varsity games with them while filling my schedule with the other guy. I just got a boys varsity this Tuesday and turned back a girls JV. My biggest issue is that this assignor NEVER returns emails or phone calls. I have NEVER spoken to the man on the phone. I got one email when I joined and that's been it. The only response I get when I turn back a game is the Aribter telling me I've been removed. So...I guess I don't feel too badly about giving back a game when there's no real respect there.

I'm always willing to learn and be taught, however...what do you think? I'm not going to do a mass turn back and I feel I should fulfill my assignments, but in this case, I also want to show the guys that are assigning me varsity that I want to work for them. Good thing is I know the other two assignors well and work on their crews with them. (I'm a fill-in for them sometimes and work with them on others.) So...whatcha think?

I think that the assignor you described is an azzhole. Assigning should basically be merit-based with other factors used when needed. My advice is to work as much as possible with the 2 assignors that seem to agree with that. As for the other clown? Tough situation. Unfortunately, you'll probably just have to live with it if you want to work some games for that particular guy. But I personally can't see one damn thing wrong with you treating that particular assignor the same way that he's been treating you. T'hell with his camp; that's extortion. If you get a call from one of the other assignors, help them out. It works both ways. From your description, they'll help you out.

Just don't let him get to you, whatever you do. Just because one assignor is a dickhead doesn't mean we all are.

Good luck with your career. You do have the right attitude imho fwiw.

[bigdog5142]

Most people hate working for the guy (myself included and unless you're on the inside) but he assigns the biggest association in our area (16 school league). I'm working on getting other contacts, but it takes time.

Thanks for the advice. I've been officiating for 12 years or so, but the politics here are rough. I agree with the extortion comment...thought that for awhile. I officiated in the Salem, OR association when I started out and they had the varsity officials come a bit early for their game to rank us and give us pointers. Rating system from 8-1 with different levels associated with each number. Guess I had it pretty good there! Would LOVE to see that again someday!

[refboss]

it is circumstantial and depends upon
your relationship with the assignors
whether you are climbing the ladder (your status)
how many times you've helped the assignors in the past
etc etc etc
if your area has extra officials the turned back game can be filled easily
if you know the assignor will have trouble covering, don't accept