New one for me

bkdow · #1 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 21, 2010, 10:57am

Well, it was a hotly contested battle between rival cities. A USC called, a few late hits, lots of turnovers, and many close calls. The game ended with a 7 point differential. The crew did admirably but the coaches and fans were all over us. (nothing new so far)

On our run to the car after the game, after passing through the ever-watchful police officers, a couple of parents exclaimed to me that I was not able to call a good game because of the color of my skin. I dutifully climbed into my car and drove away.

It just emphasized to me that some of the same people who don't know the rules of the game, also do not know the rules of life. Did I feel threatened? yes. Will I quit officiating? Not a chance!! Not the first time in my life that I have encountered racism (don't get me started on slander of my religion) and it won't be the last.

Just remember guys, people don't know the rules in football or the game of life either! Be the bigger man, keep your composure, and do the right thing in your job, in the refereeing, in life!

floridareferee · #2 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 21, 2010, 03:55pm

Glad you kept your cool. Keep up the good work!

footballref · #3 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 21, 2010, 04:45pm

Glad you kept your cool. You have to ignore it an move on.

I have never been criticized on the field due to skin color. I have been called several things you can call a bigger guy (fat a$$, fat boy, tubby). These were all as a LJ or HL.

Just remember the easiest thing in sports is to blame the officials and many people think yelling at them (us) is just part of the game. Many think that lack of discipline by their team is our fault some way, some how.

jjb · #4 (**permalink**) Fri Oct 22, 2010, 03:23pm

last Friday our linesman called a fumble at the 1 foot line on the home team in the 2nd OT. He had the right call but was a bit slow "selling" the call. He was a newer official. I was the BJ. We NEEDED a police escort from the field to the school. Gee, some of the fans had bad breath. Screaming in my face before the police got between us.... We all walked steady to the school and I was sort of proud how the guys handled it.

gotta run.. I'm at the same school tonight

Refsmitty · #5 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 25, 2010, 09:48am

It is out of control in many places. Something needs to be done before something terrible happens - but obviously I do not have the answer.

I think it would help if state associations would come down harder on coaches and admin at games where things get out of control.

It does cause you to think about continuing - as to whether it is worth the risk when things like what happens to you happens.

GoodwillRef · #6 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 25, 2010, 11:15am

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkdow

Well, it was a hotly contested battle between rival cities. A USC called, a few late hits, lots of turnovers, and many close calls. The game ended with a 7 point differential. The crew did admirably but the coaches and fans were all over us. (nothing new so far)

On our run to the car after the game, after passing through the ever-watchful police officers, a couple of parents exclaimed to me that I was not able to call a good game because of the color of my skin. I dutifully climbed into my car and drove away.

It just emphasized to me that some of the same people who don't know the rules of the game, also do not know the rules of life. Did I feel threatened? yes. Will I quit officiating? Not a chance!! Not the first time in my life that I have encountered racism (don't get me started on slander of my religion) and it won't be the last.

Just remember guys, people don't know the rules in football or the game of life either! Be the bigger man, keep your composure, and do the right thing in your job, in the refereeing, in life!

Was this a varsity game? You don't have a locker room...if you felt it was a hotly contested battle why not ask at half time to have a police escot to your vehicles?

bkdow · #7 (**permalink**) Mon Oct 25, 2010, 01:27pm

ours was a varsity game but when it's local, we do not have a locker room very often. Half time is usually spent in a shed or back of the concession stand. We didn't need a police escort but they were definitely within 50 feet of us when we left. Game didn't really turn sour until the 4th quarter and we didn't need a police escort like the prior post.