Louisiana Officials Possible Strike?

[Judtech]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

It's fine if he wants to keep his association's bargain -- that's a personal choice. What's slimy is that their association doesn't even hesitate in keeping OTHER association's bargains even though they have no reason to do so.

I will agree with you that is a point that can be debated. And to be honest I am about 50-50 on it. Do you fill in when others fail to do what they are contracted to do? Or do you just let both parties sink or swim? I can see both sides of that argument. 1) We will fill in for the "good of the game" or 2) I am only doing what I am contractually obligated to do and no more. IMO, either way is fine b/c the rubber doesn't hit the road until the new contract and/or the next season.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Judtech

I will agree with you that is a point that can be debated. And to be honest I am about 50-50 on it. Do you fill in when others fail to do what they are contracted to do? Or do you just let both parties sink or swim? I can see both sides of that argument. 1) We will fill in for the "good of the game" or 2) I am only doing what I am contractually obligated to do and no more. IMO, either way is fine b/c the rubber doesn't hit the road until the new contract and/or the next season.

It's one thing to fill in for a neighboring association when they simply get overwhelmed with games. But that's not what happened here. This is one group essentially telling the schools not to worry about this little dispute because they'll step up and fill in the gap.
Again, if they actually get a raise, it'll be in spite of the sh1tty behavior of jar's association. If they don't get a raise, it'll be largely because of the guys who didn't think it was important enough to take a small risk.

[Rich]

I just don't see the risk, personally. In that position, I'd not work, I'm sure of it. What is there to lose, $31 a game? And for those who say, "think of the children," that just presupposes that those of us that officiate do it for the children. Big assumption to make.

I enjoy officiating, but I'd never cross this line. I'd pack the stuff up for the year and enjoy a few more nights at home with the family.

[Judtech]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

It's one thing to fill in for a neighboring association when they simply get overwhelmed with games. But that's not what happened here. This is one group essentially telling the schools not to worry about this little dispute because they'll step up and fill in the gap.
Again, if they actually get a raise, it'll be in spite of the sh1tty behavior of jar's association. If they don't get a raise, it'll be largely because of the guys who didn't think it was important enough to take a small risk.

I can see that argument. But, and this is a point made by both JAR and RICH, how many people ACTUALLY left. I am assuming there are more than 7 assocations in LA ( I could be wrong) and only 4 walked. so since less than 1/2 of the associations walked, the 'majority' didn't support that action.
If the schools come up with a low offer and the majority of the associations decide NOT to sign on, and someone crosses, then I have an issue. Again, I think the Associations hold most of the cards here, but for the next contract, not this one.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by Judtech

I can see that argument. But, and this is a point made by both JAR and RICH, how many people ACTUALLY left. I am assuming there are more than 7 assocations in LA ( I could be wrong) and only 4 walked. so since less than 1/2 of the associations walked, the 'majority' didn't support that action.

4 out of 14

[Judtech]

Originally Posted by just another ref

4 out of 14

Thank you for clearing that up for me. Obviously, you and your associations are going to have some soul searching to do this offseason. If your associations vote to walk/hold out, I don't think ANYONE would blame you. If your associations get a huge raise, that is b/c of everyones efforts.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Judtech

Thank you for clearing that up for me. Obviously, you and your associations are going to have some soul searching to do this offseason. If your associations vote to walk/hold out, I don't think ANYONE would blame you. If your associations get a huge raise, that is b/c of everyones efforts.

I disagree, I think. It'll be because of the efforts of 4 associations out of 14. The other 10 will be benefiting from the 4 who actually stood up for themselves.

And in the case of those who crossed the "picket line," they will have benefited in spite of their weak-kneed response.

[Judtech]

Yeah, this is probably where we differ. 4 out of 14 does not a threat make, IMO. It equals a temper tantrum. 10 out of 14 is a threat. (Or 8)

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Judtech

I can see that argument. But, and this is a point made by both JAR and RICH, how many people ACTUALLY left. I am assuming there are more than 7 assocations in LA ( I could be wrong) and only 4 walked. so since less than 1/2 of the associations walked, the 'majority' didn't support that action.
If the schools come up with a low offer and the majority of the associations decide NOT to sign on, and someone crosses, then I have an issue. Again, I think the Associations hold most of the cards here, but for the next contract, not this one.

This is, IMO, the only potentially valid argument. jar notes his association didn't even vote on it; that tells me the leadership made a decision not to even let it come up. I wonder what percent of the associations that actually voted on it decided to walk.

The thing is, each association gets to make their own choice. And in my opinion, that choice should be honored by the neighboring associations.

I'm not sure how it works in LA, but here each association sets the price with the local school districts. There's a state minimum, but the local groups can pay more if they wish. If my local association decided to take a stand on something like this, and the group 90 minutes away offered to step in and help the schools out, I'd have a big problem with that.