Last Minute Assignments
 

Got Text early this morning for a game that starts in 3 hours.

Does accepting last minute assignments show that you have too much availability? or does assignor appreciate it, since u help that out at last minute?

Thanks!

If you want to work, work. If you don't, don't. I wouldn't read anything into the request other than he needs an official and wants to know if you can work.

I've found that accepting last minute assignments, especially if you're new to an association, can show you are willing to work. You are "helping the assignor" who might be in a pinch. Maybe you'll become his "go to" guy which could lead to good things down the road.

Don't worry-be happy!
 

Why the concern? If you're open and can work the game take it. Assignors certainly would appreciate that you can do the game on such short notice. What they don't appreciate is when your schedule shows you are open and then you respond saying you're not. Keep them up to date.

Don't apply the rules of dating to the business of basketball officiating. ;)

+1 !!

Pulled His Chestnuts Out Of The Fire ...
 

My assigner once contacted me at 10:15 a.m. to work a high school freshman game that was supposed to start at 10:00 a.m., in the next town. I walked into the gym about twenty minutes later in the middle of the first period to an ovation from the crowd. Man, was my partner happy to see me walk into that gym, either that, or he had a gun in his pocket.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band ...
 

Hey. Take it over to Match.com.

ah perfect!

I got "the call" one Sunday afternoon, that one of our officials was in a wreck and they needed me at the gym ASAP. Unfortunately, I had about a 25 mile drive. While my partner was happy to see me, some in the gym looked at me like - nice of you to finally get here sparky! :(

Never had this role, but my goal as an assignor in this situation would be to make one, and only one phone call. Having people I can count on would make my job much easier.

Accept the game or do not accept the game. If you cannot accept the game then explain why. I would not look at it as a bad thing. He is probably texting you because he wants to give you an opportunity.

Peace

Having too much availability is never a bad thing, as long as you're not constantly begging the assignor for games. I imagine that would put them off. If you can work it, then take it. It can only help you with the assignor.

On a side note, I do have one assignor I work for who constantly sends out last minute texts and emails asking for someone to cover games. I'll help them out when I can but often times it's more annoying than anything else. I'm starting to think maybe the assignor should consider a career change if he is constantly having issues like that :D