Subsitute Ref When Partner Doesn't Show Up?

[Adam]

I've never understood the liability concern, but enough people bring it up I suppose perhaps it's real. That said, it's about the state rules, but the responsibility falls on the school. I know in Iowa, using an unlicensed official could result in a forfeif for the home team. I'm not sure what the punishment would be in the case of a tournament where the scheduling school isn't participating in the game.

Here in CO, I'd work the game and be on the phone with my assigner right after the game.

Here's a question, how do you really know the guy you're working with is properly licensed in your state? Especially when you have a last minute replacement?

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Here's a question, how do you really know the guy you're working with is properly licensed in your state? Especially when you have a last minute replacement?

With this association, I would be told who my partner was when I was called for the last minute assignment, so I know at that point that the guy I should be working with was also assigned by my assigner, and therefore would have to be certified. However if, for some reason, someone else was there other than the guy my assigner mentioned, then I would probably have to take his word. I am new in Texas, so I don't know anyone - that makes it difficult to recognize if someone is in the association based on meetings and past games.

This would likely never be an issue with a Varsity game. I would think my partners would wonder more about me since I am new to the state - they likely know each other.

We are told to make sure we communicate with our partners as well, so I would likely call the person I am working with on a last minute assignment as well. That way they know to expect me as their partner instead of the guy they likely saw on Arbiter.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Smitty

With this association, I would be told who my partner was when I was called for the last minute assignment, so I know at that point that the guy I should be working with was also assigned by my assigner, and therefore would have to be certified. However if, for some reason, someone else was there other than the guy my assigner mentioned, then I would probably have to take his word. I am new in Texas, so I don't know anyone - that makes it difficult to recognize if someone is in the association based on meetings and past games.

This would likely never be an issue with a Varsity game. I would think my partners would wonder more about me since I am new to the state - they likely know each other.

We are told to make sure we communicate with our partners as well, so I would likely call the person I am working with on a last minute assignment as well. That way they know to expect me as their partner instead of the guy they likely saw on Arbiter.

Yeah, I was thinking that with situations like ours, we can be relatively confident any partner we get is appropriately certified and qualified (two different things). Our assigners are careful enough. But we put a lot of trust in our assigners on this issue.

As Scratch notes, however, that's not always the case.

I personally wouldn't think twice about it.

[RookieDude]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Here's a question, how do you really know the guy you're working with is properly licensed in your state? Especially when you have a last minute replacement?

That's easy...if the official has a patch, on their shirt as opposed to their eye, they are good to go!

Besides, that is the table crew's responsibility to make sure each official is properly patched...if it is deemed that the official has no patch, then the head table person can ask for a qualified replacement....right, chseagle?

(I may have created a monster @ Connell H.S. Eagles)

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I've never understood the liability concern, but enough people bring it up I suppose perhaps it's real.

Our insurance coverage specifically states that it's void if we work with an "unlicenced" official.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Our insurance coverage specifically states that it's void if we work with an "unlicenced" official.

I thought I'd remembered that, but how do you determine 'unlicensed.' Is that universal?

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I thought I'd remembered that, but how do you determine 'unlicensed.' Is that universal?

The person has to be registered either as a member of our association or as a member of our governing body (through whom we buy our insurance coverage). In my area, that's the norm. The bottom line though imo is that you should know what your own insurance coverage is before you get into situations like this. We post that info on our web site.