I am better than THAT guy

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JetMetFan

Terp, not that we don't want them here but if they had enough motivation they'd find it for themselves. There's the difference right there.

We all work with "those" folks. In the same week I had two GV partners who couldn't have broken a sweat during the game with the amount of walking they were doing, both came to the site dressed and neither seemed inclined to call the new guidelines (NCAAW since NYS Girls use modified NCAA rules) until they saw me doing it. They continue to get games and it's possible they may work in the postseason just because of manpower issues. They're generally weeded out after the early rounds but they've already picked up their checks and they're on to the next rec ball game...which is why whistles get swallowed late in the GV game. Gotta get out fast so they can get to the rec game on time.

I'm fortunate in that I've worked for some very good assignors who've had success at the higher levels. One is Ed Corbett who, before he became "Ed Corbett," assigned Boys' F/JV Catholic schools in the NY Archdiocese in the early/mid-90s. One thing he would say to us in our preseason meeting still sticks with me. "These schools pay us a decent amount of money to do this (it was $45 at the time). The least we can do is work hard enough to get up a good sweat." A lot of our brethren need to realize working hard and working smart go a long way towards working our way up.

These kind of stories annoy me.

I worked one day of youth rec basketball this season, with my regular HS partner. We worked it just as hard as we would a varsity game (although we probably laughed a bit more). 3 games, boys middle school. Cash before we worked, too.

Then we went and busted hump on a BV game that night. Never once did we think about mailing it in during the morning to "save steps" for the evening game.

I just can't mail it in and I don't get people who do. Then again, I'm not working rec ball every week, either.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Rich

I just can't mail it in and I don't get people who do.

Guess I'm fortunate. I see hard working, conscientious officials every night I work.

As for Rec Ball, as Rich says, I tell all my partners that I treat each game as if it's a BV game. We even do Captains and Coaches meetings - sets the tone, is good practice, and teaches the up and comers.

Also, this is why I personally won't do more than four games in a row. If I can't give it what I believe to be my 100% (mentally and physically) I will choose not to take the assignment. I don't want to become THAT guy......

[Rich]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Guess I'm fortunate. I see hard working, conscientious officials every night I work.

As for Rec Ball, as Rich says, I tell all my partners that I treat each game as if it's a BV game. We even do Captains and Coaches meetings - sets the tone, is good practice, and teaches the up and comers.

Also, this is why I personally won't do more than four games in a row. If I can't give it what I believe to be my 100% (mentally and physically) I will choose not to take the assignment. I don't want to become THAT guy......

You take it further than I do. We introduce ourselves to the coaches and then toss it up. Time schedules are tight when I work, it seems.

[Terrapins Fan]

I still wish there was a "Like" button, good posts from everyone.

I find when I referee church league and lower level games, I can work on things that need improving. I get better every game. My biggest weakness is going too fast, I am consciously slowing down, once I get that down, my game will be fairly tight.

I love refereeing and when I came into this, I don';t think I would have ever said that. I coached for 11 years and loved it, but I am not a coach, I am a referee. Given the choice 25 years ago, knowing what I know now, I would have become a referee.

[j51969]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Guess I'm fortunate. I see hard working, conscientious officials every night I work.

As for Rec Ball, as Rich says, I tell all my partners that I treat each game as if it's a BV game. We even do Captains and Coaches meetings - sets the tone, is good practice, and teaches the up and comers.

Also, this is why I personally won't do more than four games in a row. If I can't give it what I believe to be my 100% (mentally and physically) I will choose not to take the assignment. I don't want to become THAT guy......

+1

I also ask my partner if they have a coat. Most guys see the sub-varsity contests as ehh..., I like to treat each game with the professionalism it deserves. The quid pro quo between coaches, players, and officials benefits from standards you set from the start. IMO

[Adam]

Originally Posted by j51969

+1

I also ask my partner if they have a coat. Most guys see the sub-varsity contests as ehh..., I like to treat each game with the professionalism it deserves. The quid pro quo between coaches, players, and officials benefits from standards you set from the start. IMO

We don't mess with jackets below the high school level, frankly. Everything else is the same. Well, I don't show up quite as early, because school is still in session.

[Raymond]

Rec league I show up dressed, but with a jacket. 15 minutes is the expectation. I don't leave the game soaked in sweat, but they get top notch officiating.