Just a Word of Caution...

[The_Rookie]

Received this from one assignor I work for...Just a reminder to use common sense at ALL times

Hi all,


We hope the subject line got your attention!

We have recently received reports that some officials have been changing clothes in the parking lots of the schools immediately prior to their games. We received a report this week about an official observed nearly naked by a school secretary.

You should NEVER change clothes outside of a restroom or locker room while on school property. What was witnessed would be enough to get a person charged with indecent exposure...or worse. Given some individuals' propensity for overreaction, it would not be surprising to see someone given lifetime placement on the sex offender registry.

Think this is a ridiculous exaggeration? Here's how it could be described in court: "This adult man was seen by three 8-year old girls and their moms without any clothing below the belt in an elementary school parking lot." Your life would never be the same, all because of an incredibly stupid decision you made. (Yes, the school secretary reported seeing bare buns.)

NEVER, EVER change clothes outside of a restroom or locker room while on school property. If you do not have time to change into your uniform prior to arriving on campus or in a restroom or locker room, DO NOT ACCEPT THE ASSIGNMENT.

[JRutledge]

Don't you guys provide locker rooms? Not sure why this would even need to be said. Then again again there are people that think going to games dressed is a good thing. I stand corrected.

Peace

[grunewar]

Officials locker room - Changing screen for umpires and officials in the parking lot

I've actually seen it once (baseball).

[Scooby]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Officials locker room - Changing screen for umpires and officials in the parking lot

I've actually seen it once (baseball).

Yes, I have used it many times (softball). It is a great alternative to changing in the parking lot hiding behind your car. And it fold down flat in your trunk.

Rut - I agree that the schools need to provide a place to change, but if they do not that does not lift the responsibility of the the officials to follow the law and/or act in a professional manner.

[bainsey]

Even in the tiniest middle school I've worked here in the northeast corner, the school has ALWAYS provided a room for basketball officials to change.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Even in the tiniest middle school I've worked here in the northeast corner, the school has ALWAYS provided a room for basketball officials to change.

Also the case when I worked ms games in Iowa. Normally, if you ask, they'll give you a coach's office at least. I have, however, had schools where there were three options: 1, public restroom. 2, share a locker room with the home team. 3, come dressed. I chose #3 because it was what the others were doing, and it wasn't worth standing out with this issue in that city.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I said what I was going to do first and foremost. You tried to claim that I said I would not work the game, which is not exactly what I said. I actually said if that was the norm then I would not accept games at that level.

If an official does not come dressed to a game (e.g. job situations) and they want the official to work the game and not leave, they better provide somewhere for them to get dressed or they do not have the right to complain like this email suggested. And yes I have the courage to either complain or to change that policy for the reasons I stated.

Peace

I would hate to have misread you (done it before).

Let's see if I can figure out where I may have got the impression that you wouldn't work "the game."
While we're at it, I'll see if I can find a statement that indicates you're projecting your opinion onto the assigner of the OP.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Well it might be the norm, but I bet it is not expected by the assignor. I say that because a lot of guys that work those games, are working those games for a reason and their professionalism is one of those reasons. I would never come dressed to a game for so many reasons I have talked about before. They better put me in some office somewhere or I am not working the game. I am not coming out of the rain, snow or wind in my black pants that just got dirty from the outside elements. That is just not going to happen.

Yep, as always, the misunderstanding was my fault.

[Texas Aggie]

They better give me a room somewhere or I am not working. This is a choice.//
There are some areas where if an official makes this "choice," he will be labeled high maintenance and a prima donna (sp?)

That's just plain stupid.

Is it high maintenance or being a prima donna to demand that the court be free of debris and water leaks? What about the baskets being properly secured? Speaking of security, what about proper security for the officials -- whatever that may be? How about demanding that the teams wear proper uniforms, the coaches abide by the rules, and the clock run on properly?

If you're satisfied with what's being offered by the school in the situation described here, that's fine. But don't criticize those who are not. A locker room demand is NOT unreasonable for basketball. Baseball, softball, and soccer may be a little different due to the location of the field, but basketball si an indoor sport where most teams have access to their own locker rooms to change. Officials should have the same courtesy.

[klacc]

That is ridiculous. I grew up in Hawaii and its pretty easy to just use a towel to help change. Just be prepared and don't do dumb things.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Don't you guys provide locker rooms?

Rut - I think the example given happened in an elementary school parking lot. I doubt there are many elementary schools with locker rooms, and probably any offices there have windows.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Rut - I think the example given happened in an elementary school parking lot. I doubt there are many elementary schools with locker rooms, and probably any offices there have windows.

And most windows will have blinds. and, there (almost) certainly is a nurse's office or a staff bathroom.

Or, change IN the car AND at the far end of the parking lot and look around before changing pants. OR, wear the compression shorts / underwear under your regular pants before changing to the ref pants at the site. Or, ...

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Rut - I think the example given happened in an elementary school parking lot. I doubt there are many elementary schools with locker rooms, and probably any offices there have windows.

They need to provide a room that has no windows. It is not totally unusual in HS that do not have a big locker room to take you to a classroom and if they have to cover the little window, they do. But this sounds like a problem created by the school, not just the officials.

BTW, in my experience I have been to many JH/middle schools and I cannot think of many that did not have a "locker room" for the officials.

Peace

[Raymond]

I'm quite sure every elementary school has bathrooms for teachers/adults only. And sometimes they are even private, lock-the-door bathrooms.

[stiffler3492]

FWIW, all the middle school games I have, I go dressed to. I'm never sure there is somewhere to change. That seems to be the norm in my area, as every partner I've had has come dressed, unless he's running in straight from work or something like that.

[k_st8r]

i arrive at the school wearing black shorts and a black u/a shirt... locker room or not... pull on pants over shorts and shirt over u/a shirt... no issue ever.
I do bball, fball, baseball etc... in the fall I LIVE out of my trunk. one back pack for bball, one for fball, one for baseball. Black and black covers all options and or problems.

In today's world, I don't even go into the school bathroom alone. If it hasn't happened already, I foresee some kid making accusations in the bathroom that didn't happen. ( along the lines of 2 deep leadership in scouts)