7th Grade Girls B-Team

[MD Longhorn]

OK, guys... just a question for you:

What is your mentality going into a 7th Grade Girls B-Team game (having already worked a C-team game)? Is the idea to just make it through the game as quickly as possible? Are you managing the game differently than other games? How much does it change when it's 30-4? And in such a game, do you treat one team differently than the other?

Kind of want to get some feedback before I describe last night's 7th grade Girls B-Team game.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

OK, guys... just a question for you:

What is your mentality going into a 7th Grade Girls B-Team game (having already worked a C-team game)? Is the idea to just make it through the game as quickly as possible? Are you managing the game differently than other games? How much does it change when it's 30-4? And in such a game, do you treat one team differently than the other?

Kind of want to get some feedback before I describe last night's 7th grade Girls B-Team game.

My answer (I stay far, far away) would be completely unhelpful.

Seriously, I would probably try to get the big stuff and manage the game from that standpoint.

[Adam]

Were you watching my games last night? You should have said hi.

[ballgame99]

IN these games you have to get on the same page with your partner on how much you are going to let slide, especially as it relates to travels and 3 seconds. If one team is much better than the other, yes, I do call it a little tighter on the better team, especially as it relates to violations, and fouls too, just because the better teams seem to play through a lot more fouls that the worse teams. Just get in and get it over with, and try to be fair to both sides.

[jTheUmp]

^^^^

What he said.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

OK, guys... just a question for you:

What is your mentality going into a 7th Grade Girls B-Team game (having already worked a C-team game)? Is the idea to just make it through the game as quickly as possible? Are you managing the game differently than other games? How much does it change when it's 30-4? And in such a game, do you treat one team differently than the other?

Kind of want to get some feedback before I describe last night's 7th grade Girls B-Team game.

I can NOT stand officials who just want to get through it as quickly as possible. If they don't want to be there, they shouldn't have taken the game (and that is OK). Sure you may not call some things but that isn't to get out quickly, it is because it is what is appropriate for the game and the skill level. If you call a few things, the kids, even at those ages, will learn.....and they'll get better in time.

When the score is so lopsided, yes, the calls may not be 100% equal.....how much movement is a travel, how much contact is a foul....the threshold might just not be exactly the same for each team. Each game is different.

[cmckenna]

I echo Cameron's comments and also want to add...

For the kids, each game is important to them and deserves our best at all times. Don't ever bring anything but your A performance as it is not fair to them

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by cmckenna

For the kids, each game is important to them and deserves our best at all times. Don't ever bring anything but your A performance as it is not fair to them

I agree in terms of hustle, attitude, rule interpretations, taking the assignment seriously, proper uniform, etc., but we use "relaxed" mechanics when we do Catholic middle school "junior varsity" (fifth, and sixth, grade) doubleheaders, or triple headers.

[ODog]

As a few have said, the game's still important to the kids.

But it's important to you, too. You NEVER know who's in the stands.

Could be a major assignor watching his granddaughter play. An official from your board could have a daughter out there. This year's parent coaching the middle school team could be "local high school team's" JV/V coach in a few years. People like this might watch you and form opinions w/o realizing you didn't bring your "A" game.

Fellow officials are more likely to give you a pass having been in that spot themselves, but while letting things slide and favoring the team getting killed (which I do as well), I would be sure to absolutely keep the mechanics crisp throughout. Rotations and switching might be scaled down, but there's no reason to have half whistles or noodle-arm signals.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by ODog

... Rotations and switching might be scaled down, but there's no reason to have half whistles or noodle-arm signals.

Or even worse, let them beat the crap out of each other so you can get home 15 minutes quicker.