Post-Game Cordials...

[Travelling Man]

Is it kosher to--after the completion of a competitive game--to make yourself available on the "greeting line" to high-five or shake hands with players and coaches. The reason I ask is because theire is growing trend that after games, the players line up and pass each other by to "brother hug" or "fist bump" as a show of "sportsmanship". However, when a game ends I typically retreat to my seat/chair off the far far side of the court and towel up and rehydrate...then usually some players and a coach will make their way over to say to me "good game ref, you let us play fair". Then I stand and shake they hand and greet them likewise as a show of "sportsmanship"/"cordiality".
So, to keep from seeming "stand off ish" should I just line up in the "greet line" post game and do the same as players?
I certainly do not want to appear aloof---nor do I want to appear ingratiating either.
However, when I see games of tv, at the conclusion the refs are hustling/running off the courst with such urgency and haste as if they are running from a "child support judge".
Any advice is appreciated?

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Travelling Man

So, to keep from seeming "stand off ish" should I just line up in the "greet line" post game and do the same as players?
I certainly do not want to appear aloof---nor do I want to appear ingratiating either.

Depart and go to your area.

IMO, the competitors are displaying good sportsmanship, and you were not one. You are there to provide a fair environment for them to compete. If a player, coach, parent, etc. wants to come over to your area and shake your hand, acknowledge them and say thank you.

This is how I've been taught and it has served me well.

[JRutledge]

NO!!!

Peace

[stiffler3492]

The standard protocol would be to get off the floor as soon as that final buzzer rings, especially if the game was contentious.

If you're in a situation where you're doing multiple games in a row, then you might not have a choice. I've also found my partner "supervising" the handshake line, and I've joined him just for unity's sake.

That said, I much prefer to be gone at the final buzzer.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by stiffler3492

If you're in a situation where you're doing multiple games in a row, then you might not have a choice.

Even then there's almost always the opportunity to go outside to make a phone call, see a man about a horse, check the schedule board, etc.

[Travelling Man]

OK then I shall heed the collective wisdom that inheres here and continue with my practice of going away to my side of the personal space---of course being cordial if they approach me first.
I will NOT be supervisiong any greet line---as the players already know how to do that and the coaches have that responsibility.
thanks guys, as a woman ref it 's always a struggle to properly balance cordiality with professionalism

[JRutledge]

First of all you are not the first female officials. There are many that do the same things as the men. The successful ones just approach the game the same as anyone else and do their job. Your job is to officiate, not be everyone's friend or necessarily nice to everyone. Stop using that as an excuse to not do your job or to want to do something else. Yes there will be some different challenges for you as a female, but not as much as you think. And often many advantageous if you officiate women's or girl's basketball.

Peace

[HokiePaul]

In a scholastic HS game, you are going to want to leave the court immediatly, with your partner(s) at the conclusion on the game so this is not an issue. Lingering around can only get you into trouble, since in a scholastic game you still have jurisdiction over the game until all officials leave the visual confines of the playing area.

It sounds like more of a rec league/youth league issue when you might do several games back to back and you don't have a locker room or other officials area like is standard at the HS level.

Unless your assignor instructs otherwise, I would never participate/supervise the hand shaking line. If I can't get out of the gym right away (as is typical in rec leagues) I just go to the area where my bag is and wait for the next game. If players come find me, I'm polite and shake hands or say thank you/good game/enjoy your summer/etc. But I don't try to make myself available.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by HokiePaul

In a scholastic HS game, you are going to want to leave the court immediately, with your partner(s) at the conclusion on the game so this is not an issue. Lingering around can only get you into trouble, since in a scholastic game you still have jurisdiction over the game until all officials leave the visual confines of the playing area.

Unless, of course, you officiate in The Bay State, my friendly neighbor to the north. I believe that officials there are required to supervise the handshake line. I also believe that they lack jurisdiction during this time, in other words, no technical fouls, maybe just a report to the state interscholastic athletic association if something goes wrong.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Travelling Man

Is it kosher to--after the completion of a competitive game--to make yourself available on the "greeting line" to high-five or shake hands with players and coaches.

Only if you don't mix meat and dairy.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Only if you don't mix meat and dairy.

Hey, Mark Padgett, how's your kosher pig's heart doing?

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Hey, Mark Padgett, how's your kosher pig's heart doing?

Actually, not great and I'm having some other medical problems, too. Thanks for asking, though.

[JRutledge]

Mark,

I think I can speak for many of us here. Get well soon and you are in our prayers. Hope you get better soon to be around to annoy us some more. We actually like you more then Billy, so please take care of yourself.

Wishing you the best.

Peace

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Actually, not great and I'm having some other medical problems, too. Thanks for asking, though.

Sorry to hear that. We're all pulling for you.

"Warning: Humor may be hazardous to your illness." (Ellie Katz)

[Bad Zebra]

Originally Posted by Travelling Man

...So, to keep from seeming "stand off ish" should I just line up in the "greet line" post game and do the same as players?
I certainly do not want to appear aloof---nor do I want to appear ingratiating either.
However, when I see games of tv, at the conclusion the refs are hustling/running off the courst with such urgency and haste as if they are running from a "child support judge".
Any advice is appreciated?

Never a good idea to hang around at the end of ANY level game. As easy as it is to have a player or coach come up to you and thank or compliment you, it's equally as easy for a bitter coach or player to come up to you and give you THEIR thoughts on your skill and abilities (or lack of). Then you're in the middle of a confrontation with very little recourse if anything goes really bad.

Forget about appearing aloof...we SHOULD be aloof. It's easier to be impartial that way. Just head to your area...wait for your partner(s)...but get the he!! out of Dodge as quickly as practical.