Using my voice

[SWMOzebra]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I have heard that same advice from some big-dogs in NCAAW.

Ditto. I've seen a partner get his a$$ chewed by a female coach during a juco game. She told him in no uncertain terms that men using the term "ladies" is not appropriate to the college game.

On the other hand, I've heard female officials use the term "ladies" and no one seemed to care.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by SWMOzebra

Ditto. I've seen a partner get his a$$ chewed by a female coach during a juco game. She told him in no uncertain terms that men using the term "ladies" is not appropriate to the college game.

On the other hand, I've heard female officials use the term "ladies" and no one seemed to care.

When I'm doing girls games, I say "ladies". When I'm doing boys and men, I use the word "fellas".

I would say, if your career path is that of NCAA-Women's, then follow the expectations of that level. But at the HS level, which is only place I will officiate females, then I don't see a problem using the term, "ladies".

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SWMOzebra

Ditto. I've seen a partner get his a$$ chewed by a female coach during a juco game. She told him in no uncertain terms that men using the term "ladies" is not appropriate to the college game.

On the other hand, I've heard female officials use the term "ladies" and no one seemed to care.

I think it depends on the coach more than the official.

[RocRef]

Thanks guys for all the advice. I have a JV game in a couple hours. I will work on this.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by RocRef

Thanks guys for all the advice. I have a JV game in a couple hours. I will work on this.

Is it a Girls game?

[RocRef]

haha, no I'm on the boys board. I may ref the boys and girls board next season.

[shavano]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

Maybe, but I think calling them "players" is both condescending and offensive; so you may not be safer either.

Though I'm originally from CA, and am a 40 year transplant to the Centennial State, I've found that "y'all" works pretty well for both genders...

[jeschmit]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

Maybe, but I think calling them "players" is both condescending and offensive; so you may not be safer either.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around them being called players as condescending or offensive... Isn't that exactly what they are?

Rule 3
Section 1. Player

A player is one of five or fewer members of a team’s personnel who is legally on the playing court to participate. An individual shall retain player status during a timeout.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by jeschmit

I have a hard time wrapping my head around them being called players as condescending or offensive... Isn't that exactly what they are?

They're also ladies, but that's apparently offensive.

[jeschmit]

Originally Posted by Adam

They're also ladies, but that's apparently offensive.

la·dy (ld)
n. pl. la·dies
1. A well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior.
2.
a. A woman regarded as proper and virtuous.
b. A well-behaved young girl.
3. A woman who is the head of a household.
4. A woman, especially when spoken of or to in a polite way.

If you think every female on the basketball court is a lady, you don't referee enough women's games!

This is all in fun here, but I'm sticking to my guns that you're safer calling them players. I never said that calling them ladies was offensive either...

[Adam]

Originally Posted by jeschmit

If you think every female on the basketball court is a lady, you don't referee enough women's games!

This is all in fun here, but I'm sticking to my guns that you're safer calling them players. I never said that calling them ladies was offensive either...

I've heard others say not to call them ladies. Frankly, I just think it's too much worrying about nothing. I'm going to continue doing what I do.

"Players" comes across as awkward for me, which is worst than being offensive with the word "ladies".

It strikes me that "lady" can be offensive if used that way, as in "Hey lady! Watch it!" I've never known "ladies" to be actually be considered offensive by anyone but easily offended observers.

I may just go with shavano's "y'all"

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by Adam

I've never known "ladies" to be actually be considered offensive by anyone but easily offended observers.

I may just go with shavano's "y'all"

In the northeast corner, "y'all" will get you far more strange looks than "ladies." I see nothing offensive about "ladies" or "gentlemen." The last I checked, they're terms of respect.

[shavano]

Originally Posted by bainsey

In the northeast corner, "y'all" will get you far more strange looks than "ladies." I see nothing offensive about "ladies" or "gentlemen." The last I checked, they're terms of respect.

Can you say "y'all" with a northeastern accent?

[JetMetFan]

I’ll admit one of my assignors said something to me about calling BV players “gentlemen” (specifically, “they’re not gentlemen”). The circumstances were a bit odd, though:

*The assignor is one of my NCAAW assignors.
*It was in the summer at a camp for NCAAW officials but the players were BV.

Rebel that I am I still say “gentlemen” in BV games and “ladies” in my GV and NCAAW games. Most of my female partners in NCAAW say “ladies” – if anything – so I figured it’s no big deal. They may not all be ladies and gentlemen out there but maybe the power of suggestion will help . Besides, a little respect never hurt anyone.

The one time I said “fellas” during a game a few months ago I heard someone in the stands say, “Fellas? Really?”

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Adam

They're also ladies, but that's apparently offensive.

I swear, this sounds like it's born from the idea that calling them ladies is somehow a slight to them as basketball players. I call the boys "gentlemen" and nobody would ever bat an eye at that. OK, maybe someone did (above).

In our world, it's no different than how the term "3-man" ended up being 3-person or, laughingly, "3-whistle" even when we clearly included both male and female officials in the discussion.

Those easily offended will find a way to succeed no matter what you do, I suppose.