As a 22 year basketball official, I agree with much of what you write, Melissa. I could share some great personal stories where I’ve been able to diffuse tense situations very quickly and retain control of the game but those would be way too long to recount here. A few quick tips: 1)As officials, be personable with coaches players and fans. It goes a long way towards building greater understanding.2) Carry yourself with authority when you are an official. That gains respect. 3) Fans, parents and coaches need to remember that officials are not robots. We will never have a perfect game. I believe that is the major point that coaches, fans, and parents, in particular, need to bear in mind — Officials have full-time jobs elsewhere and they have families and they get injured and they get sick and they miss calls and they do their best. And, they keep coming out on the court or the field to provide their best effort to help kids enjoy the games they love. And it is mostly our love of the game that brings us back to provide that service. we always have openings for new officials. Finally, I would add point number 4) Everyone who complains about officiating should be mandated to take the officiating class and pass the test and have to officiate at least 20 games in the sport they are complaining about. We’ll see what their voice is like after that.
Ohhh, love all these suggestions, especially #4. Lol. But yeah, I think a lot of this is, as you said, just realizing that officials are human. It seems so simple yet here we are.
There is also an element in US society that just wants to rant and rave. It's a very small segment, and upsets things for others. Those are the folks that need to be targeted. One thing it is unlikely they understand is that typically they embarass their kid when they yell. But, pointing that out to them in the heat of the moment isn't a great idea. "Hey, buddy, does your daughter enjoy you screaming obscenities like that? Nope, I bet you're embarassing her. Why don't you ask her after the game and see what she says?" Someone who rants probably won't listen to your questions.
Last year, here in Southern Nevada, our local officials association announced a plan/partnership with our community college to increase the ranks of officials, including a possible associate degree in officiating.
As a 22 year basketball official, I agree with much of what you write, Melissa. I could share some great personal stories where I’ve been able to diffuse tense situations very quickly and retain control of the game but those would be way too long to recount here. A few quick tips: 1)As officials, be personable with coaches players and fans. It goes a long way towards building greater understanding.2) Carry yourself with authority when you are an official. That gains respect. 3) Fans, parents and coaches need to remember that officials are not robots. We will never have a perfect game. I believe that is the major point that coaches, fans, and parents, in particular, need to bear in mind — Officials have full-time jobs elsewhere and they have families and they get injured and they get sick and they miss calls and they do their best. And, they keep coming out on the court or the field to provide their best effort to help kids enjoy the games they love. And it is mostly our love of the game that brings us back to provide that service. we always have openings for new officials. Finally, I would add point number 4) Everyone who complains about officiating should be mandated to take the officiating class and pass the test and have to officiate at least 20 games in the sport they are complaining about. We’ll see what their voice is like after that.
Ohhh, love all these suggestions, especially #4. Lol. But yeah, I think a lot of this is, as you said, just realizing that officials are human. It seems so simple yet here we are.
There is also an element in US society that just wants to rant and rave. It's a very small segment, and upsets things for others. Those are the folks that need to be targeted. One thing it is unlikely they understand is that typically they embarass their kid when they yell. But, pointing that out to them in the heat of the moment isn't a great idea. "Hey, buddy, does your daughter enjoy you screaming obscenities like that? Nope, I bet you're embarassing her. Why don't you ask her after the game and see what she says?" Someone who rants probably won't listen to your questions.
So true. It's amazing how even one unruly person can completely embarrass their kid, their kid's team, and obviously themselves.
Last year, here in Southern Nevada, our local officials association announced a plan/partnership with our community college to increase the ranks of officials, including a possible associate degree in officiating.
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2022/jul/29/csn-hopes-initiative-will-bolster-referee-ranks-fo/
That is very very cool. Good job, Southern Nevada!