Would You Accept?

[The_Rookie]

Since we are in summer mode..thought I would throw this out

If like the NFL, the NBA officials were locked out, would you accept an assignment working NBA games? Why or Why Not?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by The_Rookie

Since we are in summer mode..thought I would throw this out

If like the NFL, the NBA officials were locked out, would you accept an assignment working NBA games? Why or Why Not?

No, because I'd either be in over my head or I'd be sabotaging my chance at making it later the old fashioned way.

[Camron Rust]

If I were at the level where I could actually work those games, it would depend on why they were in the lockout/strike. Some lockouts/strikes have merit, others are silly.

[JRutledge]

No, I believe in unions and believe that it would hurt other chances. More trouble than it is worth.

Peace

[amusedofficial]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

No, I believe in unions and believe that it would hurt other chances. More trouble than it is worth.

Peace

There is nothing lower than a scab.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

There is nothing lower than a scab.

I think we could cite many in the criminal realm who would certainly qualify.

Anyway, I think this is a test of loyalty in two forms: where we draw the line, and where we expect others to draw the line.

Some believe that all sports officials are brethren. Others see each other as competitors, much in the same way businesses do. (For most, it's a combination of the two.) When expected loyalties from others don't match your own -- in any situation -- there's a feeling of betrayal, and the usual result is name-calling ("scab," in this case). In most places, betrayal, or even perceived betrayal, carries a heavy price.

I'll go out on a short limb and say that most -- myself included --wouldn't blame MTD for feeling betrayed by the two who took work from the league that parted ways with him (as evidence by the 90% who wouldn't take work). However, I think it's naïve to expect loyalty from someone you never met. If someone else took an assignment that you rejected, and they don't know you or your circumstances, how can you rationally hold ill will toward them?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

If I were at the level where I could actually work those games, it would depend on why they were in the lockout/strike. Some lockouts/strikes have merit, others are silly.

I agree in theory, but for the most part, I'd be too lazy to do the research required for me to depart from my default setting of supporting the officials. And regardless of whether the officials were right, crossing the line would have ramifications for me once the issue was resolved. I'd have to go back and work for people who do not like those who cross a union like this.

No thanks.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by The_Rookie

Since we are in summer mode..thought I would throw this out

If like the NFL, the NBA officials were locked out, would you accept an assignment working NBA games? Why or Why Not?

Without hesitation.

[LeeBallanfant]

Only if Joey Crawford was on the picket line.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Like Rut I believe in unions and therefore I would not cross a picket line. That said, even if I did not believe in unions, I would not cross a picket line because I would be screwing my brethern officials if I did cross the picket line.

MTD, Sr.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Like Rut I believe in unions and therefore I would not cross a picket line. That said, even if I did not believe in unions, I would not cross a picket line because I would be screwing my brethern officials if I did cross the picket line.

MTD, Sr.

I don't believe in them, but I'm told they exist anyway.

[Welpe]

I've never been accused of being pro union in general however I wouldn't. In the case of the NFL, we has several officials that came up in Houston that are always teaching at our clinics. I can't imagine flipping them the bird and stepping into their job that I know I couldn't do as well.

Not to mention the stigma that I imagine is quite hard to wash off in what is a rather small circle.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

No, because I'd either be in over my head or I'd be sabotaging my chance at making it later the old fashioned way.

Originally Posted by LeeBallanfant

Only if Joey Crawford was on the picket line.

When the NBA refs had their lockout/strike I found info that something like 17 NBA veterans refs got their start during work stoppages, including a few prominent officials.

Of course the NBA is different in that they have a farm system (D-League/WNBA) from which to acquire replacement officials.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

When the NBA refs had their lockout/strike I found info that something like 17 NBA veterans refs got their start during work stoppages, including a few prominent officials.

Of course the NBA is different in that they have a farm system (D-League/WNBA) from which to acquire replacement officials.

And that is the key as the NBA would expect those officials to work and it would be different for them. I would not begrudge them in anyway as they are not in the NBA Officials Union from my understanding.

Peace

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by LeeBallanfant

Only if Joey Crawford was on the picket line.

Only if Tim Donaghy was on the picket line.