A thought for younger officials

[Tio]

I agree 100%... At some point, you have to trust that assignors are putting you in a position to succeed. I always felt like it is better to get a tough game 1 year late rather than a year early.

On technical fouls, my career has followed a similar trajectory. I have found that with experience, I am a much better communicator with coaches and can diffuse or manage many situations with a Tech only being there for an egregious act or a last resort to keep the game under control.

[BigT]

Have you ever asked why you were not getting deeper playoff games?

[Terrapins Fan]

A big part of why I didn't get deeper into the play offs is seniority. Until this year I was low on the list, we have 52 officials, Last year I was in the top 25 in seniority, this year I am #16.

Seniority alone doesn't guarantee play off games, but it can be a factor. We use the top 15 officials for post season. 10-15 get 1st round games, 1-9 get 2nd and 3rd round games, based on the number of assignments.

[stripes]

Originally Posted by BigT

Have you ever asked why you were not getting deeper playoff games?

This is not a question you can ask with an expectation of it helping the situation.

This is an unfortunate part of officiating. Honest answers to these questions just don't come. Get used to it.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by stripes

This is not a question you can ask with an expectation of it helping the situation.

This is an unfortunate part of officiating. Honest answers to these questions just don't come. Get used to it.

Depends on how it's phrased. Phrase it as humbly as possible, putting the onus on yourself.

[stripes]

Originally Posted by Adam

Depends on how it's phrased. Phrase it as humbly as possible, putting the onus on yourself.

Big T, trust me. In Utah, keep your mouth shut and work any and all assigned games. Talking to the UHSAA about who works what games in the tournament is not the right idea.

Your board should be honest with you, but don't approach the state about not working further in the state tournament...it will not help you. I have seen too many people try it and shoot themselves in the foot. The state assigns those games as they see fit.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by stripes

Big T, trust me. In Utah, keep your mouth shut and work any and all assigned games. Talking to the UHSAA about who works what games in the tournament is not the right idea.

Your board should be honest with you, but don't approach the state about not working further in the state tournament...it will not help you. I have seen too many people try it and shoot themselves in the foot. The state assigns those games as they see fit.

But, the OP is in MD, not UT. So the advice of "depends on the area" is correct.

[stripes]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

But, the OP is in MD, not UT. So the advice of "depends on the area" is correct.

Which is why I prefaced my comments with the quotes by Big T. Trying to help a local.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by stripes

This is not a question you can ask with an expectation of it helping the situation.

This is an unfortunate part of officiating. Honest answers to these questions just don't come. Get used to it.

That may be true in your experience, but it is not true in my area. Serving on the Board the last few years, we have had several officials question why they were not working deeper into the playoffs. Every time we have had them attend the next Board meeting and the reasons why have been explained to them.