3 hours ago, FrankNicodemus said:

Boy that sounds like a brilliant idea... BUT here is my soapbox commentary on that:

We as a fan base, coaches and players are losing the battle of allowing officials to develop so they can become the High Quality Officials you would like to see on Friday nights for football or several nights for basketball games or soccer games or any other sporting event you name it.

I invite you to attend any type of youth sporting event even down to an 8 year old soccer match and witness the behavior that the fans/coaches give to the officials.

When and how do you expect officials to develop and be mentored with other officials if you don't allow these people some "grace" while officiating especially the youth game????

LEAVE the officials ALONE at least at this level!!!!  It is absolutely despicable that we have a society that condones this behavior from the parents AND the coaches. 

Don't get me wrong, I have played the game and coached the game and it wasn't until I officiated the game when I realized how wrong this behavior is, so for everyone that hasn't walked in those shoes I realize you think the easy the solution is just to "pay them more and hold them to a higher standard".  Issue solved.....WRONG

You know what part of that statement IS going to be a reality though is the "Paying them more" the supply and demand channel of officiating is going to sway so heavily towards the paying them more side that you now will have officials ONLY that officiate the sports and games that pay the high price and then you will have NO officials for the lower rank rec or younger age group AT ALL.

You don't expect little Suzy or little Johnny at the beginning of their Sports career to have the Varsity level talent in any sport do you?????  How do you expect Big Suzy and Big Johnny to have Varsity level Officiating talent if you don't allow them to grow and develop at the lower ranks of these sports that they want to officiate??????

I hope I have made my point on my soapbox, any questions????

The same type of people that yell at officials also yell at the athletes and coaches. Additionally I was referring that high school officials need to be paid more money. I have coached multiple sports at every level and I have never received at technical foul or personal foul flag or anything of that nature as a coach. I have also officiated various sports. As far as a higher standard is concerned knowing the rules should be a requirement and I am not referring to judgement calls, specifically procedural penalties within high school football.. I know for a fact that the answers to the officials test are passed around. Higher pay would attract and retain more officials. Your know if all soapbox response with all caps, leads me to believe you have yelled at an official or two. Do you have any solutions? or ideas? 

5 hours ago, HedgeHog8 said:

@FrankNicodemus I appreciate your analysis of a very real problem. As a coach, I know I've said things I regret to the black and whites and contributed to this crisis. I also know quality stripes when I see them and when I don't see them on the field. 

What are some solutions you have to offer for all the stakeholder groups you mention? Parents, Players, Coaches?

Specifically, how can I help you make more quality officials?

I'm actively recruiting my former players right now, just so you know!

 

4 hours ago, farawaycomet2 said:

The same type of people that yell at officials also yell at the athletes and coaches. Additionally I was referring that high school officials need to be paid more money. I have coached multiple sports at every level and I have never received at technical foul or personal foul flag or anything of that nature as a coach. I have also officiated various sports. As far as a higher standard is concerned knowing the rules should be a requirement and I am not referring to judgement calls, specifically procedural penalties within high school football.. I know for a fact that the answers to the officials test are passed around. Higher pay would attract and retain more officials. Your know if all soapbox response with all caps, leads me to believe you have yelled at an official or two. Do you have any solutions? or ideas? 

Stay tuned, writing something up.....publishing tomorrow.

Till then I will be ridiculing the refs at the big Highlands v Lloyd game tonight. LOL

Go Birds!

On 2/7/2022 at 6:16 PM, gchs_uk9 said:

I hate the circumstances but as someone who loves watching football, Thursday night games are pretty cool!

Not only that, but I’ve always thought Saturday afternoon games towards the end of the season are as well. Nothing that’s mid afternoon, but noon kick offs or so for schools that are close in travel.