Verbal Abuse - how much is too much?

[RobbyinTN]

I refuse to do adult rec games and don't really like to do any kind of rec game. In the adult leagues, the players are a$$es many times and I refuse to take it so needless to say, it is an unpleasant game for all involved. In the younger rec leagues, while I enjoy working with the kids, I notice I am not as sharp at the next varsity game as I normal am if I did a rec game the night before. I think doing the rec league games actually hurts me as an official as often they want you to be more lenient on calls and I find that hard to do.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by RobbyinTN

I think doing the rec league games actually hurts me as an official as often they want you to be more lenient on calls and I find that hard to do.

+1 Alternating from one to the other is a challenge.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by RobbyinTN

I refuse to do adult rec games and don't really like to do any kind of rec game.

I friend of mine runs a men's league. I've never worked it, but he tells me how he took care of unwanted behavior: fines.

If you get T'd up, it's a $25 fine, payable immediately. You cannot go back into the game until it's paid. (It makes for some interesting scenes of players hitting up their teammates.) If you get a second T, you're done, and you cannot play the next game until $25 is paid.

The league has 17 teams, so they apparently abide by it.

[OnePutt]

Generally, is the comment 1) disrespectful or 2) unsportsmanlike? Sometimes I like to add a third: Is it something you wouldn't say to a cop who has pulled you over for a traffic violation? How 'bout "you suck, Gumshoe" as he walks up to ask you for license, proof of insurance, and registration?

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by OnePutt

Generally, is the comment 1) disrespectful or 2) unsportsmanlike? Sometimes I like to add a third: Is it something you wouldn't say to a cop who has pulled you over for a traffic violation? How 'bout "you suck, Gumshoe" as he walks up to ask you for license, proof of insurance, and registration?

While I understand your point, how does that comment NOT fit under both one and two?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by RobbyinTN

I think doing the rec league games actually hurts me as an official as often they want you to be more lenient on calls and I find that hard to do.

Why more lenient? Maybe they can play through more contact, but I see no reason to be "more lenient." Just call your game, and don't accept any grief.

You're right, though, if that doesn't work, don't do the games.