Best line by an official

[Lastkidpicked]

Saw this happen at a middle school game, and just had to share it with you.

Running late, the second official comes into the gym. Although I couldn't hear what was going on, it was obvious that this official was called at the last minute to help out.

Visiting coach had a bad attitude from the very beginning. Contempt for our kids, contempt for our small town gym, just a bad attitude. He was taking it out on everybody almost from the start.

Halftime comes around and the second official and visiting coach happen to meet at the water fountain at the same time. Visiting coach makes some remark and official walks away and starts putting on his jacket. Both coaches see this and ask what's going on.

Official calmly zips up his jacket and says, "I was fixing a fence when you called me to help out, and I believe my tools are right where I left them. I can still finish before dark." And starts walking away!

Both coaches literally BEGGED him to stay and finish the game! It was great! He did stay and both coaches were a lot less lippy after that.

My question for you:
What is the best line you have ever heard from an official (or line that you have personally used)?

[Welpe]

From an officiating standpoint, I don't like it. I'm sure we've been tempted but if we accept an assignment, we should finish it. If there's behavior that needs to be addressed during the game, do it. The take my ball and go home attitude and getting the coaches to beg is simply unprofessional IMO.

[bob jenkins]

I agree -- and the same is true for 99% of the "best" lines that have been discussed here and elsewhere.

[Lastkidpicked]

I should probably give you some background:

Out here, everybody including the officials are more volunteers than anything else. Even the janitor comes back "after I have my supper" to make sure everything is okay and the doors are locked, and he's off the clock when he does it. To us, its just part of helping out. To be fair, the visiting coach is probably a volunteer as well.

The reason I liked the exchange is that it reminded everybody that the coaches, scorekeeper, concession stand kids, and everybody else is basically volunteering their time to help the kids. It was a reminder that, "Hey, man. He's here to help out, just like the rest of us, so let's treat him with some respect."

[Welpe]

That adds clarity but doesn't change my opinion.

[letemplay]

the guy was a fence mender?

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by Lastkidpicked

The reason I liked the exchange is that it reminded everybody that the coaches, scorekeeper, concession stand kids, and everybody else is basically volunteering their time to help the kids. And they should all be treated with some respect for that.

So how "respectful" and "helping the kids" is it to walk away in the middle of a game you accepted?

[tref]

We have the tools to (1) sit down & (2) disqualify knuckleheads. I wish I would let a coach/player/table crew/fan anger me so much that I'd leave in the middle of a contest

[RookieDude]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I agree -- and the same is true for 99% of the "best" lines that have been discussed here and elsewhere.

...just call me a 1%er...

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Lastkidpicked

My question for you:

What is the best line you have ever heard from an official (or line that you have personally used)?

Are you Mark Padgett's straight man? He could go on forever with this one.......

In REC Ball, if the moment and situation are right I may attempt humor. But while I like to have fun, I really try to avoid smart comments and keep it strictly business.

[Adam]

Just call the T and be done with it.

On the other hand, I don't think we can expect volunteer-level officials to be as professional.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Lastkidpicked

Saw this happen at a middle school game, and just had to share it with you.

Running late, the second official comes into the gym. Although I couldn't hear what was going on, it was obvious that this official was called at the last minute to help out.

Visiting coach had a bad attitude from the very beginning. Contempt for our kids, contempt for our small town gym, just a bad attitude. He was taking it out on everybody almost from the start.

Halftime comes around and the second official and visiting coach happen to meet at the water fountain at the same time. Visiting coach makes some remark and official walks away and starts putting on his jacket. Both coaches see this and ask what's going on.

Official calmly zips up his jacket and says, "I was fixing a fence when you called me to help out, and I believe my tools are right where I left them. I can still finish before dark." And starts walking away!

Both coaches literally BEGGED him to stay and finish the game! It was great! He did stay and both coaches were a lot less lippy after that.

My question for you:
What is the best line you have ever heard from an official (or line that you have personally used)?

If I'm volunteering somewhere, and I get treated like a POS, you can bet I'm going to consider leaving. I'm not a door mat.

Recent studies have shown that people have more respect 99 cents apps than the free apps. The same goes for officiating. Pay the guys just $10 an hour if costs are an issue. Then there will be more respect for officials.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Lastkidpicked

My question for you:
What is the best line you have ever heard from an official (or line that you have personally used)?

I could give you a list but I don't think there's enough space on the server.

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by Smitty

So how "respectful" and "helping the kids" is it to walk away in the middle of a game you accepted?

I agree with this. If I'm volunteering and I get grief from one coach, I'm just going to use the usual tools in my arsenal to deal with it.

But if I'm volunteering my time and I'm getting grief from both coaches, players and fans all at the same time, I have no problem with picking up my jacket and walking out the door.

[tref]

Originally Posted by fiasco

I agree with this. If I'm volunteering and I get grief from one coach, I'm just going to use the usual tools in my arsenal to deal with it.

But if I'm volunteering my time and I'm getting grief from both coaches, players and fans all at the same time, I have no problem with picking up my jacket and walking out the door.

Say it aint so fiasco