Guys-
Quick poll/question. I got my underclass HS schedule today. I got three games at the Middle School where I teach. I coached FB last year there and chose to ref instead this fall. I teach 7th grade so some of the players had me as their teacher last year. Ideas? Problems? What's your take?

Just asking for trouble IMHO. It is a no win situation for you. (Wonder how the "all knickers all the time" crowd is gonna react to this?)

Any fellow officials who can swap for those three games? That would be the best way out in my thoughts.

I work with two high school teachers on my crew. We do 8th grade, frosh, soph, JV games and they've never had a problem with the kids. Never. The only problems they've had is with the coaches, who are their colleagues, and those are few.

I think you should just turn back the games to avoid any problems that may become apparent. What's the big deal, why not just turn them back.

It depends on your school and community. If you think you will have problems, switch them or turn them down. I have worked all the 7th/8th grade and 9th/JV games at the school I teach at for many years and have never had a problem with players, coaches, or fans. It totally depends on what you think. It does not have to be a problem for lower level games, but is some communities it could be.

I would swap out for other games. Not worth the possible headaches.

Thanks guys.
What I left out of my first post was that I already left a message for the assigner to see about getting switched out. I wanted to get your opinion to see if I was thinking along the same lines. It would be nice to not drive to the game site at $2.60 a gallon, but I just don't want anything to happen that would damage my reputation or cause someone to question my integrity.

Wise Decision
 

The decision to have to have someone else assigned for these games was a very wise one. It is the perception of the others that would cause the problems. There could be big problems on any close call and the other teams become aware that you are a teacher at the school and coached at the school previously. You can make the best call and be congratulated on it, there will always be "He teaches at that school and coached there too"!

Good decision.

i run into the same problem somethimes. luckily in georgia is is spelled out in our code of ethics, that we cannot take these games. we will usually communicate schools we cannot work with the scheduler before the season starts.

As someone in a similar position, I agree with your decision to switch wholeheartedly. In fact, I'm teaching at a new school this year - I've asked my assignor to avoid scheduling me both at my new school and my old one.

As officials, we are held to higher standards of integrity. We need to not only avoid impropriety but also the <i>appearance</i> of impropriety. Public perception is essential to our role (which is why we need to have neat uniforms, crisp signals, etc.) - take that away, and no one derives any enjoyment from the game.

Now that I'm teaching, I wouldn't accept any games at that high school.

I'm also an alumnus of the school, and I'm the assistant AD, so I have a triple reason to not ref there. However, for me, just the first would be enough.

I never knew so many teachers refereed too!

REPLY: I agree with TxMike...nothing good can come from doing those games. The problem isn't just with your school; It also arises from the potential for your school's opponents to learn of your affiliation. Even if you do nothing wrong, the <i>perception</i> that you did will still be there. It's really a no-win situation IMHO.

All three of those are good reasons not to work a school.