Should new refs have a identifier?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Agree. Here in our little corner of the Land of Steady Habits, rookie officials already have an identifier, they don't have an IAABO patch. Coaches, and fans, can, and do, pick up on this. They're not as dumb as we say they are.

This is true; my first year in IAABO, I was patched but working a game without a patch (my true rookie partner had his patch on). One of the fans, right before half time, "go back to school and get your patch!" I really wished I had a patched shirt in my suitcase to switch, just for effect.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Bad Zebra

The belts can serve as "training wheels". Once you learn what you're doing, you earn the right ...

... to go commando, and eventaully you earn the right to go pantless.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

This is true; my first year in IAABO, I was patched but working a game without a patch (my true rookie partner had his patch on). One of the fans, right before half time, "go back to school and get your patch!" I really wished I had a patched shirt in my suitcase to switch, just for effect.

This concept of a patch equals credibility is about as dumb as it gets. NCAA officials don't wear patches during the regular season. I'm *thrilled* we wear no patches here in WI for HS games.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

This concept of a patch equals credibility is about as dumb as it gets. NCAA officials don't wear patches during the regular season. I'm *thrilled* we wear no patches here in WI for HS games.

Yeah, it was odd to me, coming here from Iowa where state patches were authorized but not worn.

[TheBest]

As I mentioned it was just a passing thought as I was reading some other thread that was discussing the concern of a new person on the court. After reading the first few comments, I realized how naive I was in thinking that audiences would be that forgiving... Hence I did/do not have much more to say http://forum.officiating.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[DLH17]

I take issue with just about anything that draws even one more iota of attention to an official. Sorry to say, that includes pink whistles. Even though my mom is a 30 year cancer survivor, I don't like the officials using them. The players, otoh, is fine by me. The game is all about the players, imo.

[Terrapins Fan]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

And by the way, I love gray shirts and wish that the NFHS and NCAA would go to them exclusively.

MTD, Sr.

But chicks dig the stripes.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by DLH17

I take issue with just about anything that draws even one more iota of attention to an official. Sorry to say, that includes pink whistles. Even though my mom is a 30 year cancer survivor, I don't like the officials using them. The players, otoh, is fine by me. The game is all about the players, imo.

Sorry, but we're part of the game, too. I've never bought this line of thinking -- not for a minute. I'm not out there to be noticed or to showboat, but I'm not out there to hide in the shadows, either.

[BillyMac]

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Sorry, but we're part of the game, too. I've never bought this line of thinking -- not for a minute.

+1

Players, coaches, and officials always affect the outcome of a game, albeit in varying degrees. The belief of "never should affect" is naïve and myopic.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by TheBest

Just a thought. Would it help the crowd and rookie refs to have an identifier on their shirt that identifies them as newbies? Would all be more tolerant of potentially incorrect calls?

If any "identifier" is needed on the shirt, it should be for the veteran official who . . .
- detests working a lower level game since he thinks he deserves only varsity assignments
- refuses to arrive early enough to do a good lockerroom pregame with partner(s)
- hasn't cracked a rulebook or casebook since the three point arc was inaugurated
- has no clue what a primary area of responsibility is
- makes his mechanics a means whereby to call attention to himself (cf. "Mechanics Pet Peeves")
- took that assignment knowing full well he's got a conflict of interest with one of the teams
- doesn't care about helping to make his partner(s) better
- (add more here yourself . . . . . . )

THAT'S the guy that needs an "identifier"!

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by DLH17

I take issue with just about anything that draws even one more iota of attention to an official. Sorry to say, that includes pink whistles. Even though my mom is a 30 year cancer survivor, I don't like the officials using them. The players, otoh, is fine by me. The game is all about the players, imo.

I don't agree with the players having whistles.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

I don't agree with the players having whistles.

Yeah, I don't care what color whistle they have; it's a bad idea.

[deecee]

Originally Posted by DLH17

I take issue with just about anything that draws even one more iota of attention to an official. Sorry to say, that includes pink whistles. Even though my mom is a 30 year cancer survivor, I don't like the officials using them. The players, otoh, is fine by me. The game is all about the players, imo.

So wrong you are...So wrong you are

Originally Posted by DLH17

I take issue with just about anything that draws even one more iota of attention to an official. Sorry to say, that includes pink whistles. Even though my mom is a 30 year cancer survivor, I don't like the officials using them. The players, otoh, is fine by me. The game is all about the players, coaches, programs, parents, schools, sponsors, fans, etc., etc. imo.

[Mregor]

I can see it now, much like a "rookie stripe" on NASCAR, a yellow bar on the back of the shirt. Yeah, that will help!