Excellent point.

This doesn't excuse the d***bag partner who strolls into the gym a few minutes before tip, shabbily dressed already, holding his shoes as he sits next to the scorers table changing his shoes. That sure lets everyone in the gym know he's a pro.

Exactly. The biggest benefit of arbiter is my ability to see who my partners are and contact them. Not only do we confirm game site and tip off time, but we also note what time we'll be at the school. If I'm going to be late (even 5 minutes), I'll note that so they aren't panicking 20 minutes before game time.

Don't get me wrong I'm not advocating for just showing up 15 min before tip without warning. I'd let both my partner, the assigner and the AD know a few days in advance of the situation so it's not like I'd drop it out of the blue on anyone.

Lastly I understand what you are saying but the reality is in our particlar area there is a greater demand for officials than there is a supply. Our local association assigner has a difficult time getting all the games covered as it is. In fact we have several crews of retired vasity officials in thier 70's that end up doing local Jr High games for no other reason than we can't get anyone else to do them. We also have several people who routinely work 3jr high games at 3:30, then run to a different metro school to work a freshman game at 6. I don't imagine we are the only in which that is the case.

Given the reality of the situation I don't understand why provided there is responsible communications between all parties showing up 15 min prior to a JV tip is a terrible thing.

Where is your particular area?

Id rather not say specifically, lest I tick someone off, but I live in an midwestern state and my home association is based in a metro of about 75,000 people and is responsible for assigning games for 3 metro high schools as well as 20-30 smaller high schools in the surrounding rural areas.

IKR! Sounds like any half decent official could move there & advance in a SoCal type of way.

WTF? :confused:

I wen't from first year official with 30 sub varsity games in year one to a full time crew with 20+ varisty dates in year two. Granted I had experience officiating at a local Y when I was in HS as well as a combined two decades as a player and volunteer assistant coach.

I know, right

I know right?

Ahhh. Sorry, my age is apparently showing. :o

At least you got the internet thing figured out. Now if only you could master that VCR remote.

Why I oughta......

My teenage daughter keeps me up to speed with latest lingo :D

3 Stooges?

I've never had problem with college guys at the HS level. Have encountered a couple jacka$$es at the JuCo level though.

I work a very modest college schdule and I've actually encountered more attitude from older, veteran Varsity officials and career JV officials who have never worked college basketball. I have quite often heard snide/sarcastic remarks from them about officials who go to camps and/or pursue college aspirations. I never advertised or voluntarily discussed what I was doing but of course word gets around. In fact, unless someone is part of my small inner circle I'm very uncomfortable discussing anything to do with me being a college official.