When Opportunity Knocks
 

I know the last thread on "should you cross the picket line?" morphed into a union battle of sorts, but I just wanted to share briefly how I have seen someone I know personally take advantage of this situation.

A local guy was part of the NFL replacement crew which recently officiated the Giants v. Cowboys game. While it's easy to bash the calls made (the regulars get bashed as well) many commentators felt like the game was a victory for the league and a defeat for the cause of the striking officials. Many knowledgeable sources said there really wasn't that big of a difference. Most of the guys on this crew had not even officiated a D1 game, and may never get that chance.

I guess all that to say I'm happy he got that chance. I have no idea what type of blacklisting or whatever could take place, but with the opportunity given I believe he's made the most out of it. He may never touch an NFL field again, but with national recognition it may be his ticket to doing SEC, PAC12, etc.

While I totally support standing up as a high school association if the schools are paying low wages it seems that the highest levels needed to be evaluated in a different light and by each individual.

Full disclosure: I live in a right to work state and have not been associated with a union in the past.

The officials are not striking but rather are being locked out.

Seems to me that the central issue of your story isn't about lockouts, strikes, scabs, etc., but about a quality official who hasn't been afforded an opportunity to prove himself for whatever reasons.
I think that it is sad that it took a situation like this to provide a deserving official a chance. That is the problem which needs to be addressed at the upper levels.

When I have moved up to the next level- there were many times the speed of the game, ect were difficult. Several of the games things went with out a hitch. But I remember my second or third Boys HS Varsity game I missed a coach calling a time out late in a tied game. The player heard the time out and took a deep 3 because he thought it was a dead ball. I have never missed a TO since but it may have cost that team a win.

My point is that when you are not ready and the entire crew are rookies- things can go smooth or fait can rear its ugly head.

Although I've only been in officiating for a few years (and only do basketball) it seems to me that the "opportunity to show yourself" is much harder in football than in basketball. There are fewer camps, there are fewer college teams, etc.

Locally, I've heard that unless you have 20 years of experience you will not touch a state playoff game, and most of the guys in the championship have 30 years. (this is coming from a friend who has had success in football and carries no bitterness toward the situation) I don't think it's a good ole' boys thing, since the assigner is well liked. He even runs the wings and works junior high games.. who does that? :eek:

All that to say I'm grateful for the chance to get out there and prove myself in basketball, so I don't think I'd cross the line, but if I was a football official it would be very tempting not to if the NFL was taking applications.

And we all know how that feals.

Move up to the PAC-12...a league ran by an NFL official...fat chance.

Truth is he didn't earn his spot on a NFL field...he stepped on his brothers for that spot intead.

I think "brothers" here is a little strong and probably unrealistic. We aren't one gigantic group of officials across the globe. Of course I'd sit at home for guys I know and have worked alongside, but to act like those guys in the NFL give a rip about any of us is something a Disney movie would have a hard time trying to make believable.

Each official has to assess their individual path/career/journey and decide if crossing the line is for them. I just don't think one size fits all.

Just my opinion. :)

I personally know a few NFL officials (3 are in one of my associations) and I would never go for some short glory to work a game at that level. For one it would be more personal than about them. I would always feel like I did not earn that spot and once it is over I will be thrown to the wolves. The NFL does not care about those guys either and have done them no favors by putting them in this situation. And if I am on the field when something silly happens like giving a 4th timeout, then that is what my career will be remembered for. And I also know several of the replacement officials as well, many will have no place to come back to. And not all are old guys that were already on their way out.

Peace

You should consider expanding your definition of brotherhood.

Just consider it.

Just saying.

A lot of us take the approach that we are the "third" team out on the field/court/diamond and our crew members are the only friends we have out there. So to step on them for short glory as JRut said is pretty damning to ones character.

The NFL officials from this area DO give a rip about us. They are always speaking at our clinics and staying involved in the chapter. That is one reason why I could not in good conscience work as a replacement.

The Final Word on the Subject . . . or Maybe Not
 

Could it be there is a stark distinction between:
"Seizing an Opportunity"
and
"Being an Opportunist"?

Couldn't agree more. We work in a profession that can be a difficult one to advance within. Every opportunity to do so, should be taken. Why not? We don't work as hard as we do to let big time opportunities come and go without action. I praise the replacement officials. And, I think they have done a great job, thus far. Good for them.