Beards/travel expenses

[BktBallRef]

Rob,

No one is advocating that you are any less of a referee just because you have facial hair. I think we all agree that hustle, rules knowledge and knowing how to administer the rules are the most important attributes.

But there are always going to be those in positions of power that do not like facial hair. If you're faced with one of those people, you have to decide, for yourself, howq you will handle the situation.

Yes, a clean shaven pperson may make a better first impression. Yes, a person with a "goat" on his face may be a better referee. But what happens when you kick a call? A coach may be more inclined to view you as unprofessional because of your appearance if you do kick a call. Or he may not.

You can't change people's perceptions. Some people will like you and some won't. That's just the way it is.

Have a good season!

Tony

[ronb21]

I hope nobody thinks that I am being belligerent regarding this issue. I agree that clean shaven and goats are both ok.

The people who hold the positions SOMETIMES like to make rules so they can flex the position. Most assignors don't care about facial hair...as long as it is kept neat and clean. They care about their reputation as an assignor.

Are the coaches going to want me to continue assigning if they keep getting Barnie Fifes???? Even good officials that are clean shaven kick calls. They have to work through it and so do I.

I just think that if there are assignors out there making a big deal over facial hair then I believe they are missing the point.

What is officials biggest concerns right now? LACK OF OFFICIALS to cover assignments. Not enough young people wanting to get into officiating because of $$, rules such as facial hair, and fan control, or inability to control themselves.

So, I agree with you. Yet, I maintain having facial hair does not leave a bad impression with anyone. What leaves bad impressions is when the official makes bad calls, and continues to make bad calls, and then trys to explain the bad call and makes the situation worse.

No disagreement really. Just tired I guess of the "politics" surrounding a game that I love. I have played, coached, and now officiate it. Too much politics and for what????? The politics are for those who are trying to control what is around them. I will continue to officiate as if every game is the most important...because it is to those playing it, and will enforce the rules or administer them when necessary.

[Kelly Kinghorn]

I wear a beard during all of the months that I do not ref. I shave for every season and for the camps. I personally have zero problem with facial hair in general, but I, obviously, "play the game" with regards to shaving. I believe that one must fit in in their area in this regard. If the assignor doesn't like it...don't do it.

If you have a beard and have attained the level in officiating that you desire--don't shave. If you have a beard and haven't gotten where you want--the beard may be a deterrant.

It does appear, to me anyway, that those who choose to have beards are finding everything they can to justify their choice. If you are happy with what is going on--don't worry about it.

[rainmaker]

In the PBOA (Portland Basketball Officials' Assoc) the very best refs who move up the fastest don't worry about facial hair at all -- they're women!!

[ronb21]

I was at the Ohio High School Int. meeting last evening in Findlay, Ohio. I found it interesting that over 1/2 of those in attendance had facial hair of some kind. The interpreter even had a goat on his face.

Good point about the women.

This is one of those subjects that only the men have to worry about.

Women have to worry about their weight as do men...weight is the only area that both have to worry about. If the assignor thinks you look sloppy you won't work...too bad that they have these quirks but they do.

[Dave King]

Originally posted by ronb21

Good point about the women.

This is one of those subjects that only the men have to worry about.

...or maybe not!!! I've seen some scary ones out there!!!

Joke disclaimer: The above was meant to be taken in the good humor in which it was intended. Please don't go "PC"
on me!!!

dk

Keep smilin'

[Mike Lyle]

Thanks for your time, efforts, and responses on the subject. I think that the facial hair has become a dead issue since originally brought up here at a ref meeting. Travel expenses are still hot on the stove. One member of the board is adament and won't back such a move. His reasoning is that if the driver has a blowout, is the passenger (ref partner) going to share in the expenses of the repair? That would be like me wanting my passenger to share the cost of repair to my pickup if my transmission went out on me enroute to Talkeetna, Ak. My interpretation of travel expenses, are gas, oil, and some food after the game, if necessary. To my friends up in Fairbanks, have a good run in the Top of the World tourney and everyone tune in to that tourney, as well as the Great Alaska Shootout over Thanksgiving. Take care and a good run to all. ML

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by Dave King

...or maybe not!!! I've seen some scary ones out there!!!

Joke disclaimer: The above was meant to be taken in the good humor in which it was intended. Please don't go "PC"
on me!!!

dk

Keep smilin'

This reminds me of a summer women's league I work.
Good players, many current & ex-college, but some,
shall we say, have been around a while. One of the
"elder stateswomen" was at the line & missed everything.
One of her team mates said "Get a little leg into it."
It took everything I had to not say "It's been years
since she's had a little leg."