First games of the season

[Welpe]

Now that football has wound down and we're about into December, I'm feeling the itch a little bit to get back on the court. The one thing I really don't like about working football and basketball overlapping like they do here is that I'm plumb worn out by the end of football season and don't build any enthusiasm for basketball until about now.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by legend

Are there some kids who really don't want to be there?

Of course. Those are the ones who are picking dandelions in the outfield. Wait? I'm being told that that's the wrong sport. Nevermind..

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by legend

Maybe you don't understand what goes into coaching kids at any level. While some of the guys or "clueless parents" as you call them, may not be deciples of the game. They still put A TON of time in with the kids, between working full time jobs, daily 2-2 1/2 hour practices, and games they sacrafice alot of family time to be there for those kids. Are there some kids who really don't want to be there...sure but look at the typical 15 kids on a team, you will have atleast 10-12 kids who REALLY do think that (at that moment) that game is the most important thing to them. Atleast thats my experience in my area with youth leagues, weather its hoops, football or baseball they (the kids) care.

If you want people to take everything the same, then pay the same, start the game at the same time and use the same number of officials for each game at every level. Until that happens, then you will get officials that will take the same approach.

And is is obvious that kids that play at the freshman level all would play when they get to the varsity ages.

Peace

[Rich]

Originally Posted by legend

Maybe you don't understand what goes into coaching kids at any level. While some of the guys or "clueless parents" as you call them, may not be deciples of the game. They still put A TON of time in with the kids, between working full time jobs, daily 2-2 1/2 hour practices, and games they sacrafice alot of family time to be there for those kids. Are there some kids who really don't want to be there...sure but look at the typical 15 kids on a team, you will have atleast 10-12 kids who REALLY do think that (at that moment) that game is the most important thing to them. Atleast thats my experience in my area with youth leagues, weather its hoops, football or baseball they (the kids) care.

I know some will find this blasphemous, but what the heck: Expecting officials to come in and treat youth basketball with the same gravitas as a varsity or college game at $20 to $25 a game is a bit much, IMO.

Normally I do two or three of these things a year and I usually work 4 games or so in a stretch. To me, it's work for a paycheck. I hustle and work hard (although we may not switch 75% of the time) but I don't spend a lot of time being philosophical -- I know what I am that weekend -- a $100 guy in a striped shirt who will take exactly no crap per game from coaches and players.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Rich

I know some will find this blasphemous, but what the heck: Expecting officials to come in and treat youth basketball with the same gravitas as a varsity or college game at $20 to $25 a game is a bit much, IMO.

And it is horribly unrealistic. There is a reason officials stop doing those games when they get to a certain level or have other experiences.

Peace

[Stat-Man]

Originally Posted by Moosie74

Less than a week for me to start my 2nd season. I expected another season of middle school ball, which is fine with me. Must have impressed someone along the way, got the first months schedule the other day, 8 JV games, 4 middle school games.

Not much for most people here I know but its something for me.

I got my first three assigned games over the weekend: a Freshman/JV boys doubleheader and a JV boys game. Won't be for a while, though.

Should be interesting.

[bainsey]

I admit I've been a little jealous of those who have started sooner than we do here.

And then, I got my schedule: Three games next week, six the following week, and six more the week after.

[Moosie74]

Originally Posted by bainsey

I admit I've been a little jealous of those who have started sooner than we do here.

And then, I got my schedule: Three games next week, six the following week, and six more the week after.

I agree, seems like we start everything late here in Maine and then it all piles up at once....including the snow.

I have 5 games next week and 4 the following week. Between our Sunday board clinic and 4 Red Claws games (game day staff) I will be spending an awful lot of time around the game.

[SCalScoreKeeper]

just started my seventh year as a scorekeeper.still love that every game presents its own challenge from back there.I love the officials that say the game in front of them is the most important.Its the attitude I take when I scorekeep volleyball or basketball or call lines.Let's all have some fun this year

[stir22]

Originally Posted by Moosie74

Less than a week for me to start my 2nd season. I expected another season of middle school ball, which is fine with me. Must have impressed someone along the way, got the first months schedule the other day, 8 JV games, 4 middle school games.

Not much for most people here I know but its something for me.

NEVER sell yourself short. Be proud, be very proud. Everyone on this board will offer you only kudos and congrats.

Seriously- there are enough yahoos in the stands and uninformed coaches who WILL sell you short.

[stir22]

Originally Posted by wyo96

SoCal and Moosie... enjoy. I know I alwys look forward to the first games with glee...



Billy...
I love this thought. I too have seen people who are not 100% vested in the game they are doing at that time. I remember my playing days, (ok, my bench days) but MY WORLD at that time was the game of the day. I think it behooves all officials to give 100% concentration every time.

Me for example..Thursday 2 MS Girls games, Friday Boys Freshman, Sat AM Girls Freshman, Sat Night Girls Jr. College. The players ( or my paretners) will never know what my previous or next game will be, only that I am working their game now.

Agree fully. Nothing gets my blood boiling faster than a partner showing 2 minutes before tip-off for a middle school game. I like to pre-game, no matter the level. The middle school, grade school and parochial kids work just as hard as the rest...maybe harder than some. I expect myself to do the same.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by stir22

Agree fully. Nothing gets my blood boiling faster than a partner showing 2 minutes before tip-off for a middle school game. I like to pre-game, no matter the level. The middle school, grade school and parochial kids work just as hard as the rest...maybe harder than some. I expect myself to do the same.

Your expectations may or may not be met by your partners.

I worked as a fill-in for a game last year, last minute. First middle school game I'd done since the mid-90s. I showed up 40 minutes early for the 2 games and I was the only person there. They didn't understand why my uniform was in a suitcase and not on me and my partner showed up 5 minutes before the tip. Actually, it made me realize that maybe I should've adjusted my routine a bit.

[Sharpshooternes]

Originally Posted by Rich

Your expectations may or may not be met by your partners.

I worked as a fill-in for a game last year, last minute. First middle school game I'd done since the mid-90s. I showed up 40 minutes early for the 2 games and I was the only person there. They didn't understand why my uniform was in a suitcase and not on me and my partner showed up 5 minutes before the tip. Actually, it made me realize that maybe I should've adjusted my routine a bit.

What would you have adjusted in your routine?

[Moosie74]

Originally Posted by Rich

Your expectations may or may not be met by your partners.

I worked as a fill-in for a game last year, last minute. First middle school game I'd done since the mid-90s. I showed up 40 minutes early for the 2 games and I was the only person there. They didn't understand why my uniform was in a suitcase and not on me and my partner showed up 5 minutes before the tip. Actually, it made me realize that maybe I should've adjusted my routine a bit.

I try and get there at least 30 minutes before a game whenever possible. I too arrive in street clothes and have had ADs acknowledge that I was there early and hopefully my partner would be right along.

Most show up in uniform or ratty jeans, I just can't understand that.

I apologized to an AD last year for getting there 20 minutes early because I got delayed and work and she said, oh don't worry, your partner isn't hear and you're still early compared to some guys.

I personally can't imagine rolling out of my truck and heading directly for the court to start the game.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Moosie74

Most show up in uniform or ratty jeans, I just can't understand that.

When arriving at a game site, people immediately judge you by your appearance. Make a good first impression by coming to game sites dressed professionally in business casual attire. Consider purchasing a sweater, pullover, or vest, with an IAABO logo, or a Board logo. Common sense dictates that some afternoon assignments may require officials to arrive in uniform, or in work clothes. Middle school sites may lack secure dressing areas, and may not have shower facilities available.

For most high school games, where secure dressing areas, and showers, are available, officials should not come dressed in uniform, and should not come dressed in sneakers, work boots, jeans, T-shirts, etc. It looks bad, and reflects poorly on the Board. On court, the official’s uniform should be clean, pants pressed, all black shoes shined, jacket unwrinkled, and the official should be well groomed. Officials should shower after the game and should not leave wearing a uniform. Doing so could give the impression that the official wants to “get in, get out, and get paid”, which is not the impression that Board officials want to present.