Louisiana Officials Possible Strike?

[just another ref]

This thing is taking a lot of turns. Got a call yesterday morning to go call some games today out of our normal area. Got another call an hour later saying there were threats of trouble if we went out of area so we weren't going to go.
This morning got another call saying forget the threats, some other guys called out of area last night, so no big deal, got another long distance assignment for today. Got another call a few minutes ago saying there's a meeting going on now in which they're trying to say that any games played with officials that crossed lines won't count, so the deal's off again.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by just another ref

This thing is taking a lot of turns. Got a call yesterday morning to go call some games today out of our normal area. Got another call an hour later saying there were threats of trouble if we went out of area so we weren't going to go.
This morning got another call saying forget the threats, some other guys called out of area last night, so no big deal, got another long distance assignment for today. Got another call a few minutes ago saying there's a meeting going on now in which they're trying to say that any games played with officials that crossed lines won't count, so the deal's off again.

I bet guys who live near the border of another state belong to the other state associations. Or, if they don't, they will.

[fullor30]

On a smaller scale there is an AAU outfit in northern suburbs of Chicago, Joy of the Game that has their own facility, four courts, workout area etc. It's well attended with instruction, AAU teams, and constant tournaments all year round. The owner is notoriously cheap, paying 25 a game which is low for our area and really has no respect for officials. On occassion if you had a four game set and third was cancelled yet you had to hang around for fourth game, he'd try and weasel out of paying for that game despite already receiving tourney fees from teams. They have now gone to paying 22.50 a game. Sadly, there are officials who will drive a long way to take the games. As you can imagine, the officiating is poor, and when they and try and slip in a stop clock tourney to attract more teams, this typically adds at least an hour extra to a four game set, no extra pay.

I always felt slimy when taking games there, and only would if I had nothing better to do. Glad they lowered fees as they'll never hear my whistle there again.

That said, it's basic economics, some guys will work for that.

Have some pride.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by just another ref

This thing is taking a lot of turns. Got a call yesterday morning to go call some games today out of our normal area. Got another call an hour later saying there were threats of trouble if we went out of area so we weren't going to go.
This morning got another call saying forget the threats, some other guys called out of area last night, so no big deal, got another long distance assignment for today. Got another call a few minutes ago saying there's a meeting going on now in which they're trying to say that any games played with officials that crossed lines won't count, so the deal's off again.

I'm confused. You were going to cross?

[ref2coach]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I'm confused. You were going to cross?

My question also. Why would any referee undermine the attempt to get better compensation when the pay is ranked 50 out of 50? Do you feel that you and other referees are currently being compensated fairly?

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by ref2coach

My question also. Why would any referee undermine the attempt to get better compensation when the pay is ranked 50 out of 50? Do you feel that you and other referees are currently being compensated fairly?

Give him a break. Maybe he just likes to call out of his area.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

Give him a break. Maybe he just likes to call out of his area.

Holy CRAP that's funny.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by just another ref

This thing is taking a lot of turns. Got a call yesterday morning to go call some games today out of our normal area. Got another call an hour later saying there were threats of trouble if we went out of area so we weren't going to go.
This morning got another call saying forget the threats, some other guys called out of area last night, so no big deal, got another long distance assignment for today. Got another call a few minutes ago saying there's a meeting going on now in which they're trying to say that any games played with officials that crossed lines won't count, so the deal's off again.

You planning on scabbing, huh? Make sure nobody is able to hang you up by your belt, then.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

You planning on scabbing, huh? Make sure nobody is able to hang you up by your belt, then.

There could be other factors involved....unfortunately. If his association is directing him to go somewhere, he might not have much choice but to go, other than making up an excuse to decline the games.

That's the problem when you get into situations like this and different officiating associations in a state with maybe different viewpoints are involved. Hopefully every official in each association was allowed their say and the majority rules, but there's a real world out there also.

Imo it's a no-brainer. If they don't do something, they'll be working for $36 a freaking game ten years from now. And also imo, unless they do do something about it, they really have no right to b!tch.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

There could be other factors involved....unfortunately.

Which is why I asked.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

There could be other factors involved....unfortunately. If his association is directing him to go somewhere, he might not have much choice but to go, other than making up an excuse to decline the games.

That's the problem when you get into situations like this and different officiating associations in a state with maybe different viewpoints are involved. Hopefully every official in each association was allowed their say and the majority rules, but there's a real world out there also.

Imo it's a no-brainer. If they don't do something, they'll be working for $36 a freaking game ten years from now. And also imo, unless they do do something about it, they really have no right to b!tch.

I know. I was just looking for an excuse to get in a cheap belt joke.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I know. I was just looking for an excuse to get in a cheap belt joke.

But, his belt might be expensive...

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

But, his belt might be expensive...

I kinda picture JAR wearing a belt with a buckle about the size of a hubcap off a Ford F150 pick-up.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I know. I was just looking for an excuse to get in a cheap belt joke.

Hell, if they're still using mid-80's 3-man mechanics, of course they'll still be wearing belts.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I'm confused. You were going to cross?

Originally Posted by RichMSN

You planning on scabbing, huh? Make sure nobody is able to hang you up by your belt, then.

Normally, I'm not very supported of strikes and have no problem with people working anyway. However, in this case, being 50th out of 50, it doesn't make ANY sense. Every official in the entire state should strike until they get at least decent pay. They're severely underpaid and they'll all come out better in the end.