Travesty or Travel...

[johnny d]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

Sure, when you take the situation there then it's unreasonable, and it's silly to expect both coaches to be okay with it. But that's not what we're talking about. Anybody can take something to the extreme to "win" an argument, but how about we stick with the situation as described?

And what part of the country do you live in where empathy doesn't exist? We're talking about a kid with downs syndrome that wants to play basketball, not some war where one side is telling the other not to use real bullets.

Sucks that sportsmanship doesn't exist in some places.

It doesn't have anything to do with empathy. Nobody said the kid shouldn't play basketball either. It is great that this kid and his parents want him to be included in these activities, but if his disability is such that he cannot participate at a level that is even remotely within the rules he and his parents should explore other options for him to continue to play basketball. Around here, they have Special Olympic teams for this purpose. I have volunteered to officiate their games many times and from my perspective, the kids enjoy playing games against and with kids that have similar disabilities and abilities as they themselves have.

[RookieDude]

Originally Posted by just another ref

Both coaches will never agree to this.

Oh yes my friend...we WILL have an agreement BEFORE the game starts.

And now that I have experience to draw from...I will even give examples of what will be tolerated.

If BOTH coaches agree to let the special player run around "like a rabbit in a shooting gallery"...that's what we will do. If the opposite coach wants to play defense that's his perogative.

Now...if Coach B says, "No way, treat him like all the other players"...I step in and earn my $$$. I manage this game.

"Coaches, here is what we are going to do...the special player is GOING to get some leeway. Now, he isn't going to be able to run around like 'a rabbit in a shooting gallery'...but, he is going to get a FEW steps. If I see a big advantage...we will adjust. Coach B, if you feel the need to take the ball away from this special needs player or score relentlesly on him...then that is your choice...do what you think is using your best sportsmanship attitude."


No surprises.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by RookieDude

Team A had fought their way back into the game after being down by 12 points ...Around 2 minutes to go... Why ... did Coach A wait until the 4th quarter, of a tight game.

This (above) is what makes this situation so difficult. Even for me, and I've been involved with Special Olympics, as a volunteer, or with Unified Games, as a volunteer official, for over thirty years.

Early in this "regular (not Special Olympics, not Special Olympics Unified Games)" middle school game, or late in a lopsided "regular" middle school game, I've got no problem giving the kid several steps, several times, until I sound my whistle; assuming that the coaches, administrators, and my partner (and, possibly even the players, and the fans), are all on board.

[just another ref]

Regardless of what has been "agreed to", this still has potential for problems in a competitive game.

"I didn't know you were gonna let him do that much!!"

The integrity of the game itself is still our first priority. I am all for cutting a player some slack, whether for a handicap or simply lack of talent, but not at the expense of the outcome of the game.

[BryanV21]

I think a lot of officials forget that the game is about the kids.

I'm not on the court to make sure people respect the game of basketball, I'm there to make sure the kids are able to learn and have fun in a safe environment. I'd hope people respect the game at the same time, but that's more of a side effect to what I do, not the reason I do it.

I don't do what I do for the integrity of the game. I do it for those kids, because a while ago somebody did the same for me. And knowing how much fun I had, knowing how much I learned, I want to help another generation of kids feel the same way.

While I don't like having to ignore certain things, I understand that in order to do what's right sometimes I have to. So if a coach wants to say "to hell with winning", and give a child with Downs Syndrome his moment, then who am I to stand in his way?

But even if I do accept the whole "protect the integrity of the game" thing, then please explain to me how allowing that kid with Downs Syndrome to get away with traveling hurts the integrity of the game. Did fans in that game start looking down on basketball? Did they decide to switch their kids to wrestling or another winter sport?

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

But even if I do accept the whole "protect the integrity of the game" thing, then please explain to me how allowing that kid with Downs Syndrome to get away with traveling hurts the integrity of the game.

98% of the time it doesn't. What I'm saying is if the outcome of the game is in doubt and this player is on the court, you may be asked to make a decision. Will you call a travel on him just like anybody else, or will you allow him to climb a ladder and score the winning basket. Hopefully somewhere in between, but be aware of the potential to have to draw a line.

[BryanV21]

Originally Posted by just another ref

98% of the time it doesn't. What I'm saying is if the outcome of the game is in doubt and this player is on the court, you may be asked to make a decision. Will you call a travel on him just like anybody else, or will you allow him to climb a ladder and score the winning basket. Hopefully somewhere in between, but be aware of the potential to have to draw a line.

I'm looking at the situation described in the OP.

If you want to change the situation, then fine. The way I do things may change, but the bottom line remains the same... what's best for those kids? That may be calling the travel, but it also may be ignoring it and smiling along with the coach, his players, and hopefully everybody else in the gym.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

I think a lot of officials forget that the game is about the kids.

Our job as officials are to be the "Arbiter of the game" not to make every kid feel good about themselves by ignoring basic rules or procedures.

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Our job as officials are to be the "Arbiter of the game" not to make every kid feel good about themselves by ignoring basic rules or procedures.

Peace

I'm all for this, but for me the focus is that it's a game. It's not war, it's medical research, it's not even politics. It's a game.

Personally, I'm fine with allowing this kid some leeway; although I would have likely called the travel about the same time Dan did. There are limits, after all. I don't get those who think allowing a disabled kid a bit of playing time is somehow going to take away from our arbiterness or something.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Our job as officials are to be the "Arbiter of the game" not to make every kid feel good about themselves by ignoring basic rules or procedures.

Peace

So, you're saying we should equally enforce all rules form NBA to 3rd grade beginners?

[RookieDude]

Originally Posted by just another ref

I am all for cutting a player some slack, whether for a handicap or simply lack of talent, but not at the expense of the outcome of the game.

I hear you JAR...and I appreciate you input...

But, if I'm going to error...in this case...I'm going to error on the side of the handicaped kid instead of the outcome of an 8th grade B game.

Again...the coaches can complain all they want...but, this stuff is going to be MOSTLY worked out before the game even begins. If some Middle School Coach wants to give me grief...I'll put on my big boy ref pants and handle it.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by RookieDude

But, if I'm going to error...in this case...I'm going to error on the side of the handicaped kid instead of the outcome of an 8th grade B game.

Yep.