T or not T, that is the question?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If you noticed, this was my biggest disagreement in that thread. I do not think that was an "automatic" and the context in which a player used certain language would matter to me. I also never said that it would just be overlooked. I probably would tell the kid to watch his language and then I would not have to worry about this the rest of the game.

I agree context matters. I also disagreed with your implication that the context of the OP was insufficient. I felt it was sufficient, in that about the only way I'm letting an F-bomb go when it's loud enough for the opposing bench to hear is with an injury of some sort.

Frankly, I expected you to simply say you'd talk to him; the context was already there. That was my only initial point; there was plenty of context to say what you'd do.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Really? You could not tell that I needed a kid to do more than just say something that the bench could hear? You could not tell that it was not an "automatic" T if the kid said that only where the bench was hearing this? Not that the fans in the gym heard the kid or that maybe the kids other behaviors might matter to me. You did not understand that at all? And for the record, I do not live in Chicago. I live in Wheaton, but I work in multiple parts of the state like the Quad Cities, Peoria, Rock Falls, Joliet and Quincy. Before you look on a map, these places are in some cases over 270 miles from each other. And all those places do not have the same assignors or standards with their officials. Oh, I doubt there is another person that could say they worked in those areas this year.

1. see above.
2. I was going for the semi-alliteration. Maybe I could have gone with Wheaton and Wheat Ridge. Or Des Moines and Denver. Or....

Originally Posted by JRutledge

What is dropping bombs? They either used certain words or they used other words.

Good grief, it's a euphamism for saying "Fu@k." I wasn't aware there was any confusion there.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

And I also have no problem with your procedure or your standards. I am only talking about what "I" will do. I even do not care if another official in my area would give a T for this. They are the one that will have to explain it. And if they work for the right person that night, it will be accepted without problem. Move the game to another location that might be questioned. I would rather not be questioned if the only standard is, "the opposing bench heard it."

To me, "the opposing bench" hearing it may as well be some folks in the stands. Hell, if I'm standing 20 feet away and I can hear it, it's probably too loud; but that's all judgment anyway.

The only defense I'd need is, "he said XXXX, and it was too loud to ignore or warn."

Personally, I'd be more concerned with the opposing bench hearing it than some random fans sitting in the sweat row; but that might be just me.