Just whose game is it, anyway?

[Tru_in_Blu]

Does heart surgeon own a patient after surgery?

Does a chef own the dinner s/he's preparing [assuming s/he doesn't own the restaurant]?

Does a State Trooper or EMT own an accident site?

Does a husband own a wife, or vice versa [at least in most parts of the civilized world]?

The answer is technically "no", but there is an assumption and acceptance of responsibility in such relationships.

I refer to "my" dentist, doctor, church, wife, etc. in the sense that I view these particular relationships with various other people and/or organizations as compatible and acceptable by both parties.

"My" regional, local, ASA organization is not owned by me, but I am a part of it. I was trying to think if I ever referred to any games that I officiated as "my game(s)", and I don't think I did. I might check "my schedule" for the games I have assigned, and yes, I own that schedule because it's likely uniquely mine.

I have described games I'm working at the time to the players as my simply being a "reporter". And, since I liked it, will add "with decision-making authority".