Just a Word of Caution...

[Adam]

I was't clear. I'm an indepedent contractor, and I can turn down any games I want to. That said, our assigning system is different here than yours. My metro area high school games all have the same assigner (from 1A to 5A), and the middle schools have three assigners who are all tight with the hs assigner. It's a visibility thing.

In the old area, I worked one season of ms ball at that rate; my first season in town. One JV game paid the same as three ms games, not worth it. I didn't make a big deal, I just didn't make myself available to the ms assigner. I figured the only way it would change was if guys like me refused to work.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I was't clear. I'm an indepedent contractor, and I can turn down any games I want to. That said, our assigning system is different here than yours. My metro area high school games all have the same assigner (from 1A to 5A), and the middle schools have three assigners who are all tight with the hs assigner. It's a visibility thing.

What does that have to do with you showing up to a game in uniform? I do not understand what that has to do with the assignor unless the assignor says that is the standard. And I have not heard anything that suggests anything different than what I have said originally.

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

In the old area, I worked one season of ms ball at that rate; my first season in town. One JV game paid the same as three ms games, not worth it. I didn't make a big deal, I just didn't make myself available to the ms assigner. I figured the only way it would change was if guys like me refused to work.

You cannot do the same in the new area? Because if you can't then how are you in independent contractor? How can someone make you work anything or make you show up in uniform or else?

I think you are missing my point if you think this is making demands. I simply said what I am going to do and that is not show up to a game in uniform. Now if they want me to work the game, they are obviously going to have to provide some situation. It is not their business to demand why I am in uniform or not. Or do not complain like the email suggested.

Peace

[Adam]

To answer your first point. Had I needed the exposure of working middle school games, the lack of a dressing room wouldn't have deterred me. Further, insisting on a dressing room when the association, for whatever reason, had been unable to negotiate it, would have been a quick path to nowhere. I made a choice to show up in uniform because I didn't like the option of dressing in the public restroom stall. I had a bigger issue with not having a place to retreat at half time, but even then, the real issue was the pay check.

Yes, I could do it here. But again, if a newer official has to choose between visibility/improvement and insisting on a dressing room, he's better off caving on the dressing room issue.

Further, and this is really my main point; just because it's seen as unprofessional in your neck of the woods really doesn't mean jack squat in mine (or the OP's, unless he works in your area). Hence, "check local listings."

[JRutledge]

If I cannot talk about professionalism, then no one better not ever talk about mechanics, uniforms or how we communicate with coaches. All those things are subjected to standards that vary and philosophy. And all my professionalism standards has little to do with where I live. I feel things should be done a certain way for this thing we call officiating regardless of where it takes place. I am not going dressed to a game. Not everyone comes from a place they can change before they get to any game. It sounds like you are putting a local standard on my opinion as well.

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If I cannot talk about professionalism, then no one better not ever talk about mechanics, uniforms or how we communicate with coaches. All those things are subjected to standards that vary and philosophy. And all my professionalism standards has little to do with where I live. I feel things should be done a certain way for this thing we call officiating regardless of where it takes place. I am not going dressed to a game. Not everyone comes from a place they can change before they get to any game. It sounds like you are putting a local standard on my opinion as well.

Peace

I'm not the one who claimed my opinion doesn't depend on locality.

[RookieDude]

I like doing MS games...(Well a few anyway)

* Gets me "in the mood" for the upcoming HS season.

* I get to see some of the up and coming rookies.

* I get to do a little instructing, mentoring, etc.

* My assignor likes it.

* Oh yeah...we are paid $38 dollars per game...and do two consecutive games. 2 person

P.S. Just so you know I don't do it strickley for the money...I'll sometimes show up and do 3 person mechanics for free. (once or twice a year)
We do all HS games 3 person.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I'm not the one who claimed my opinion doesn't depend on locality.

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