What should I do

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by LarryS

I may be the only one that feels this way but I doubt it. If you view the games at Freshman, JV and Varsity level as "smallsville" I hope like hell I never have the pleasure of working with you. To me that implies you feel the games are not that important. NEWS FLASH: That game just may be the crowning moment in someones athletic career. Very few make it to the college level, and even fewer make it to the pros. Every game should be view as the most important game you will ever call. I worked 7th grade girls last night. From a skill standpoint, both teams left a lot to be desired. However, it was their first ever UIL sanctioned game. Kinda important for them.

As for "kissing up", you need to realize (as my father says) "Ten minutes of successful kissa$$ may be better than twenty years of experience". Many people view helping the assignment sec. or board members (calling an extra game at a camp when there is a no-show, helping them carry things in when they have a trunk full of material/equipment, thanking them for their help, etc.) as kissing up. I view that as being a decent human being. I also realize that these people are human. That means if they have a choice to make when it comes to a game assignment, they are more likely to choose (skill levels being virtually the same) the official that is polite, willing to work hard and help others in any way over an official that has a bad attitude and can be a jerk.

Just my opinions.

Larry,

Whether you like it or not, whether I like it or not, everyone does not have the same view of every level. JV games might not make one official happy and make another official estatic. I understand that it is PC to think that everyone should treat every game as the State Finals, but that is not true and will never be true. Most kids have dreams of the higher levels, I think officials should not be crucified for the same feeling. Sometimes officials appreciate those varsity and college assignments after doing Freshman games. Some of the reasons an official might not like doing Freshman games, might be all the problems and confusion that happen during them. You get kids at the table that make your job harder. You have coaches that are yelling at you like you cost them the season over one travelling call and the fans might be more rude and cruel. Or at least you can hear them more often. I agree that officials need to work hard and give the game their best effort, but that does not mean they have to like the level they are officiating. I do not like alot of lower level games, simply because I will be doing 2 person mechanics instead of 3. After doing 3 on almost every single varsity and college contest, going back to 2 means more running and working harder to get good angles. I feel like I have to call things I do not always see.

Believe me I understand your point and we should officiate our best at all times. But what officials think about some of those games is not all going to be the same. No reason to critisize the family for what they say to us.

Just my opinion.

Peace