Why Does Officiating Bring Out The Worst In Some People?

[Love2ref4Ever]

I have witnessed over the years in officiating how some of the officials are so caught up in moving up the ladder, that they will sell there soles to the devil to do so.
I am from the New York City Area where there are lots of officials and it's very hard to get official to share information that may be helpful to another officials. I think it's a bit childish myself because officiating is just a "run" that will come to an end for all of us one day.
Is this an advocation filled with men/women who lack integrity? Or does officiating have the power to turn people into something that they really don't want to be, and then they loose the power to do anything about it!

[BktBallRef]

...may I ask you a question?

Why is it that every thread you start here is negative in content?

Everytime you start a thread, it's about integrity in officiating, racism in officiating, bad people in officiating, drugs in officiating, people in officiating who aren't open to others. Are you always this negative? If so, I can see why you're struggling so much in your officiating. Perhaps you should look at yourself than wondering what's wrong with others.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by Love2ref4Ever

I am from the New York City Area where there are lots of officials and it's very hard to get official to share information that may be helpful to another officials.

Is this an advocation filled with men/women who lack integrity? Or does officiating have the power to turn people into something that they really don't want to be, and then they loose the power to do anything about it?

I'm not saying.

[ChuckElias]

I've met Butch, and in fact roomed with him at camp last summer. I can honestly say that he doesn't seem like a negative person. He was very outgoing, and eager to listen and learn. Perhaps he simply knows that this is an accepting community where he can vent some frustration to people who know a little bit of what he's going thru.

Maybe he only shows himself to the board when he's frustrated.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by Love2ref4Ever
I have witnessed over the years in officiating how some of the officials are so caught up in moving up the ladder, that they will sell there soles to the devil to do so.

After they do that, don't their shoes fit funny?

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by Love2ref4Ever
I have witnessed over the years in officiating how some of the officials are so caught up in moving up the ladder, that they will sell there soles to the devil to do so.
I am from the New York City Area where there are lots of officials and it's very hard to get official to share information that may be helpful to another officials. I think it's a bit childish myself because officiating is just a "run" that will come to an end for all of us one day.
Is this an advocation filled with men/women who lack integrity? Or does officiating have the power to turn people into something that they really don't want to be, and then they loose the power to do anything about it!

It is a competition. Officiatiating is competetive. So just like anything out there where money, prestige, fame and recognition are at stake, you have people that will step over anyone and do just about anything to get to the top. It is no different than people at their job or at their church or even in your personal life. Human beings are flawed and officiating is only apart of that.

Peace

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

Everytime you start a thread, it's about integrity in officiating, racism in officiating, bad people in officiating, drugs in officiating, people in officiating who aren't open to others. Are you always this negative? If so, I can see why you're struggling so much in your officiating. Perhaps you should look at yourself than wondering what's wrong with others.

Come on Tony. This is a discussion board. This is a discussion board. This is a discussion board. That is what we do here, discuss things about officiating. It is not life altering commentary, it is just a discussion board. Maybe that is what he sees on a regular basis? And all those issues you mentioned are important to someone. Everyone does not have great experiences being an official, maybe that is why in many places there is a shortage?

Peace

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by ChuckElias
I've met Butch, and in fact roomed with him at camp last summer. I can honestly say that he doesn't seem like a negative person. He was very outgoing, and eager to listen and learn.

I hope I'm wrong and that you're correct.

Perhaps he simply knows that this is an accepting community where he can vent some frustration to people who know a little bit of what he's going thru.

Perhaps. Perhaps he becomes frustrated easily. He once posted a thread in January, asking about summer camps, and then seemed to be offended, along these same lines, when he didn't get but one reply within a day's time.

Maybe he only shows himself to the board when he's frustrated.

That's a definite.

Originally posted by JRutledge
Come on Tony. This is a discussion board. This is a discussion board. This is a discussion board. That is what we do here, discuss things about officiating. It is not life altering commentary, it is just a discussion board.

Yes, it is a discussion board, where people express opinions. And it seems to me that every time Love2ref4Ever starts a threat, it's about some negative perception he has about officiating. He never participates in rule or case play discussions. It's just always the bad things that officiating has done to him. That's my opinion, if others don't agree, fine. But it seems like a sad way to go through life. Personally, if I found that much negativity in something, I'd turn my energies to more positive things.

I mean, think about the question. "Why Does Officiating Bring Out The Worst In Some People? " People are reluctant to share information and he perceives that as being "...the worst in people..."? I can think of a lot of character traits that are worse than that. Just a little too dramatic.

Maybe that is what he sees on a regular basis? And all those issues you mentioned are important to someone. Everyone does not have great experiences being an official, maybe that is why in many places there is a shortage?

Perhaps there are shortages in some areas because many of the officials focus on the negative instead of the positive. maybe he should look at things differently, which is what I suggested in my initial reply.

As I said, I'm not starting a flame war here. I've stated my opinion. I'm leaving it at that.

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by BktBallRef


Yes, it is a discussion board, where people express opinions. And it seems to me that every time Love2ref4Ever starts a threat, it's about some negative perception he has about officiating. He never participates in rule or case play discussions. It's just always the bad things that officiating has done to him. That's my opinion, if others don't agree, fine. But it seems like a sad way to go through life. Personally, if I found that much negativity in something, I'd turn my energies to more positive things.

I am not really addressing you directly on this I just think we need to allow people to express themselves, even when we do not like it. And I can see why you feel that way, I just think he is expressing himself a different way then we are or do. You and I have been on here for a long time, maybe he does not have the time to view the board or cares to, at least until he has a question. It is just a thought on my part. I am not even disagreeing with your opinion on his posts, just want everyone to consider that this is what we do here. How many posts do we complain about stupid coaches and fans during our travels. I would not call those post negative. I guess it is just me.

Originally posted by BktBallRef

I mean, think about the question. "Why Does Officiating Bring Out The Worst In Some People? " People are reluctant to share information and he perceives that as being "...the worst in people..."? I can think of a lot of character traits that are worse than that. Just a little too dramatic.

I will admit that it does not sound great, but maybe he has had bad experiences that you or I have had? And maybe he thinks that we should be better than that as officials?

Originally posted by BktBallRef

Perhaps there are shortages in some areas because many of the officials focus on the negative instead of the positive. maybe he should look at things differently, which is what I suggested in my initial reply.

I can agree with that.

Originally posted by BktBallRef

As I said, I'm not starting a flame war here. I've stated my opinion. I'm leaving it at that.

I was not flaming you at all, just giving my point of view on the issue. I always try to see where other people are coming from. Maybe it is his interaction with officials that has soured him so? We do not need to add to it here.

Peace

[Nevadaref]

From JRut to Tony:
"I can agree with that."
Now I know the world is ending!!!

[Love2ref4Ever]

I have been away from this website for a while because I have been busy keeping my own site up and running(Basketball Officials United) and I also have my own column that I am writing for NYCBasketball.com called the 'Referee Report." I am happy to let you know that when things are pressing me in the world of officiating I do like to share it here because this is a active officiating forum. I have also grown alot in this advocation where I don't respond to anyone who takes shots at me online, I just laugh. I give much credit to this forum and the people who keep it going for the fact that there is not another forum in the country that get's participation like this one. I understand that there are alot of things in this world that I do not control and people is number 1! I also know that I am about sharing and caring, where some of us are not really big on it. Again it's just a post and I am just looking for feedback. If it's positive or negative, I can live with it!
And last but not least, I have taken a look at myself and wondered how I can make officiating better and I realized I just keep sharing and caring works for me.

[Grail]

ad·vo·cate ( P ) Pronunciation Key (dv-kt)
tr.v. ad·vo·cat·ed, ad·vo·cat·ing, ad·vo·cates
To speak, plead, or argue in favor of. See Synonyms at support.

n. (-kt, -kt)
One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender: an advocate of civil rights.
One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor: advocates for abused children and spouses.
A lawyer.



av·o·ca·tion ( P ) Pronunciation Key (v-kshn)
n.
An activity taken up in addition to one's regular work or profession, usually for enjoyment; a hobby.
One's regular work or profession.
Archaic. A distraction or diversion.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by Love2ref4Ever
I also know that I am about sharing and caring,

Group hug time!

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by Love2ref4Ever
I have been away from this website for a while because I have been busy keeping my own site up and running(Basketball Officials United) and I also have my own column that I am writing for NYCBasketball.com called the 'Referee Report." I am happy to let you know that when things are pressing me in the world of officiating I do like to share it here because this is a active officiating forum. I have also grown alot in this advocation where I don't respond to anyone who takes shots at me online, I just laugh. I give much credit to this forum and the people who keep it going for the fact that there is not another forum in the country that get's participation like this one. I understand that there are alot of things in this world that I do not control and people is number 1! I also know that I am about sharing and caring, where some of us are not really big on it. Again it's just a post and I am just looking for feedback. If it's positive or negative, I can live with it!
And last but not least, I have taken a look at myself and wondered how I can make officiating better and I realized I just keep sharing and caring works for me.

Great post,Butch! great attitude too!

Big ups!

[rockyroad]

Originally posted by Love2ref4Ever
I have witnessed over the years in officiating how some of the officials are so caught up in moving up the ladder, that they will sell there soles to the devil to do so.

Is this an advocation filled with men/women who lack integrity?

As far as the first part of the post quoted here, I would agree that there are people who do that. BUT - for every one who does sell their soul, there are 2 or 3 others who don't. As far as the second quote, NO!!! Are there officials who lack integrity - yes. BUT - for every one of them...I think you get my drift. Perhaps you (Love2ref) have just been encountering the wrong type too much lately, and need to start seeking out the type of officials you want to spend your time with...they're out there - even in New York!