Need to Rant - Part III

[BlitzkriegBob]

Okay, this one isn't really a rant. I've just found it curious that my last two partners have also found the need to check lineups as R1 (Yes, they have lineup cards as R1, but many times it seems like I am the only one who doesn't). They've both done it from the stand, and I'm sure no one notices other than me, but it's really bugging the heck out of me. I'm sure I'm just overreacting, but it has now become a sensitive issue with me.

My third partner is a lady I've worked with many times and we had no problems. My fourth partner is a guy I worked with once before. He's normally a football official, so he's doing a grand total of four VB matches this year. He wasn't even worried about not having his patch on his shirt. I had to give him a five minute briefing on signals because it's his first match of the year. Luckily I did that because he seems surprised when I tell him we don't use the point signal any more! I had to hold his hand during the match as many times he would whistle the play dead then look confused until I discretely gave him the proper signal to use. He's a nice guy though.

Tonight I finally get back to doing a Varsity match. Two very bad teams, but at this point I don't care. I will be working with someone new though. It will be her first high school match ever, though this is her fourth year officiating from my understanding. I promise I won't be checking lineups from the stand!

[refnrev]

BB,
In Indiana they used to tell R1 to keep a card while on the stand. At least that what a lot of my old partners told me.

[stmaryrams]

The only time I've kept a card on the stand is when working alone for a few MS and Frosh games. Generally never have a problem as these are not that skilled of teams and rarely are in much of a serve/receive formation other than 3 across the front and 3 across the back in a straight line.
While the level of play is poor, the players, coaches and parents are always happy to have an official that is early to the match and knows what they are doing. It seems they get several of Blitz' partners working the matches.

[BlitzkriegBob]

Originally Posted by refnrev

BB,
In Indiana they used to tell R1 to keep a card while on the stand. At least that what a lot of my old partners told me.

Rev, you're probably right. I would say that at least 50% of my partners keep one as R1. Even the lady I worked the varsity match with last night, who is in her third year, kept a card. Like stmaryrams, I only keep a card as R1 when working alone, and once I check the lineup I stick it in my pocket and leave it there. I make sure to tell the SK that I will be relying on them for help. I've found it to be a great help the suggestion by either Jan or Felix that when I'm asked for a lineup check that I ask the SK for the next three servers and/or the last three servers. Of course I let the SK know before the match starts that if a lineup check is requested that I will be asking for this info. I do this if I am R1 working alone or R2. My partner tonight, who is a good official and has about five years experience, as I do, struggled tonight when asked for lineup checks. He moved a couple of players back and forth twice before finally settling on the lineup. I totally had flashbacks of me doing this exact thing before I began relying on the SK, who has the OFFICIAL lineup.

[blueump]

I admit I use a card on the stand as R1. Mine has the first name and numbers of the floor captain - not the line up. I find it much more personal to address the floor captains by name instead of by numbers. I'll peek at the card only if I need it, but I usually have them memorized by the beginning of the match.

I've surprised many a captain by addressing them by their first name.

[imaref]

Originally Posted by blueump

I admit I use a card on the stand as R1. Mine has the first name and numbers of the floor captain - not the line up. I find it much more personal to address the floor captains by name instead of by numbers. I'll peek at the card only if I need it, but I usually have them memorized by the beginning of the match.

I've surprised many a captain by addressing them by their first name.

With all due respect....I usually don't refer to anyone by their first name unless they personally give me their permission. It's just not professional. Do you allow the players to address you by your first name? If you like the idea of addressing the captains by their names, rather than by number....why not address them as (Capt./Ms./Mr.) Smith. I think you create the same effect....but retain a professional environment for all participants. JMO

[bbsbvb83]

Originally Posted by imaref

Do you allow the players to address you by your first name?

Absolutely. I begin the pregame conference (assuming I am R1) by saying, "Hello ladies. I'm Travis and this is Jane. We're your officials..." I feel this is more a matter of preference than professionalism.

[chartrusepengui]

I only keep a card when R1 if I am without a partner. Otherwise - I put my trust in my partner. That is what they are there for. I do try and keep track of setters and big hitters and where they are in the rotation.

I also do not use first names while on court. It's a personal preference. I just address players by number and coaches as "Coach". When I was a coach - I addressed officials as "sir", "mam" or "ref". I think using numbers and "coach" makes you appear more "objective" and official, whereas using names and sounding too familiar with players/coaches makes you appear more "subjective" and less official. JMO and I would never slam anyone who does use names if they are comfortable with it.