Local politics blues

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

The fact is that there are good ole boy networks. They exist just about everywhere to some degree.

The fact is that many officials who think their schedule is poor because they are outside "the network" are simply not as good as they think they are.

The fact is that there are officials who others believe are "in the network" that they think are not as good as they are....and they may or may not be right.

And we all know good and well that it is also a fact that there are very talented officials who get screwed by the system in their area because they don't fit into the "network"...you have seen it in Portland. I know several very good officials that could never get on your assignor's "network".

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

And we all know good and well that it is also a fact that there are very talented officials who get screwed by the system in their area because they don't fit into the "network"...you have seen it in Portland. I know several very good officials that could never get on your assignor's "network".

In time, most every good official I know of has made it here...I can't think of anyone who has been shortchanged. I know of some that feel they've been shortchanged, but their opinion is biased. They don't get there as fast as they want. Too many want immediate reward.

Our assignor generally chooses to be slow bringing people up, and slow moving people out. More often than not, the people that get most frustrated want it all today and don't want to pay their dues like all those before them had to do. Those that stick around, and truly are good enough, get there.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

And we all know good and well that it is also a fact that there are very talented officials who get screwed by the system in their area because they don't fit into the "network"...you have seen it in Portland. I know several very good officials that could never get on your assignor's "network".

Is there not always officials that a very good that do not get a shot somewhere? Does that not come with the territory? I know tonight there is someone complaining that some player that was drafted was not as good as some guy they played with or against at some point. That does not mean the "network" was the reason they did not come get their shot. I know being involved in some associations and camps that many of the things that hold people back or never get the shot they think they deserve is often because of something they do off the court than on the court.

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Is there not always officials that a very good that do not get a shot somewhere? Does that not come with the territory? I know tonight there is someone complaining that some player that was drafted was not as good as some guy they played with or against at some point. That does not mean the "network" was the reason they did not come get their shot. I know being involved in some associations and camps that many of the things that hold people back or never get the shot they think they deserve is often because of something they do off the court than on the court.

Peace

Yep, you're right. And sometimes life just isn't fair.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

And sometimes life just isn't fair.

There it is. Sports are supposed to teach us this, right? Life lessons? Revealing character? I know I've certainly learned more than a few things.

The one I hear from time to time is, "I'm just tired of their excuses." I have no idea what to say to that.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Is there not always officials that a very good that do not get a shot somewhere? Does that not come with the territory? I know tonight there is someone complaining that some player that was drafted was not as good as some guy they played with or against at some point. That does not mean the "network" was the reason they did not come get their shot. I know being involved in some associations and camps that many of the things that hold people back or never get the shot they think they deserve is often because of something they do off the court than on the court.

Peace

All true...but again, there are good/great officials who are passed over because they don't fit in with the "network", and you know it. Just like Camron knows it. And I am not talking about myself - there is no whining here on my part...but I have seen instances both here and across the river - whether Camron wants to admit it or not - where awesome officials were passed over because they didn't drink at the "right" establishment with the "right" people. It happens, we all know it.

For those who have "made it" to now say things like "well it must be something he/she did off the court" or "they just aren't ready" is simply adding themselves to the "network".

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

All true...but again, there are good/great officials who are passed over because they don't fit in with the "network", and you know it. Just like Camron knows it. And I am not talking about myself - there is no whining here on my part...but I have seen instances both here and across the river - whether Camron wants to admit it or not - where awesome officials were passed over because they didn't drink at the "right" establishment with the "right" people. It happens, we all know it.

For those who have "made it" to now say things like "well it must be something he/she did off the court" or "they just aren't ready" is simply adding themselves to the "network".

Honestly, I can't think of any obvious examples. It may be that I just can't remember the person, but if you want shoot me a PM or email, which will remain private, with a couple of examples, I'd certainly entertain the idea. And, if I agree, I'll come back here and post that I agreed. It is certainly possible.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

All true...but again, there are good/great officials who are passed over because they don't fit in with the "network", and you know it. Just like Camron knows it. And I am not talking about myself - there is no whining here on my part...but I have seen instances both here and across the river - whether Camron wants to admit it or not - where awesome officials were passed over because they didn't drink at the "right" establishment with the "right" people. It happens, we all know it.

I guess it depends on what you mean by "Don't fit into the network?"

There are a lot of guys that do not fit and never fit, but it not because of the network. It is a lot of times because of stuff they do that have nothing to do with calling the game. And when you have a lot of guys that are talented, someone is not going to get an opportunity. Even in the most competitive things there are always people that get passed over. So to act like it is only because something the "network" is doing nefariously is kind of sad if you believe that. I know more guys that are impatient or are just not as good as they think they are. There are probably more that do not really know their true talent or what others think of their talent.

Originally Posted by rockyroad

For those who have "made it" to now say things like "well it must be something he/she did off the court" or "they just aren't ready" is simply adding themselves to the "network".

Again it depends on where you are. Here there is not much of a network. You have to compete with many officials and get the eye of many people to get a shot. They are not all on the same page or think that the games are equal in stature. Or not all those people have the same amount of games available to them. And what many officials do is dismiss the places where the opportunities are best because they do not want to travel, or those games in a particular conference are not good enough for them. Or in many cases they are not a "girls" official or they are not a rural official. The amount of slots are not going to change, but I see so many officials not willing to do what it takes to get hired. I know when I started I was willing to go anywhere and work anything to be seen. So I am certainly not feeling your position if you think that goes on everywhere. Maybe that happens in other parts, but not here. I do not see many officials that do not deserve a shot here that do not get one. I do see many that are not deserving or not ready getting a shot, but it does not mean that everyone is on the same page with their talent either.

Peace