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OFFICIALS CORNERZebra Zone Article #22 – December 1, 2011 It is my assumption that those reading through The Prep Coach have had their share of both great and disappointing experiences throughout their sporting careers. That being said, I’d like to share a few of my recent ones. As you know – some just “get it” and some don’t. The Class Upon our arrival to officiate a football game this fall I was approached by the Athletic Director. He indicated that they were going to have a special presentation for one of their youth. He asked if we’d mind having him come out for the coin toss? He indicated that the young man was going through some difficult times and they wanted to take a moment to pick him up. This young man used all his might as he was escorted to midfield, albeit a bit nervous. He was all smiles as he was there to witness the captains receive instructions and witness the coin toss. By his excitement I believe he would have been satisfied with that – but it wasn’t over. He was next presented a brand new varsity letter jacket of the home team. You can about imagine his excitement as others helped put the jacket on. The captains of both teams then lined up for photographs with him. The home team (Frazee) Athletic Director, coaches, players and community should be proud that they had taken the extra effort to brighten the spirits of this young man. You see months have passed since that night, but I recently saw the same young man at a restaurant. You guessed it – he was wearing that same jacket with pride. What a tremendous example of displaying the utmost respect and class. They all “got it.” Being an official it can be difficult to critique those in your own group. We tend not to want to hurt each others’ feelings or that because we are friends it easier just to hope it will get better or go away. That doesn’t resolve anything, but it sure is easier. It reminds me of an official in our group who by all accounts was struggling. I heard concerns from coaches, officials and athletic directors about this officials lack of hustle, poor judgment, sloppy mechanics and just basically that they didn’t belong in the profession. I took the opportunity to go and watch the official in a varsity contest. The reports I had been given were harsh, but still fairly accurate from what I saw. It was actually difficult to watch. Over two pages of scribbled notes were taken and then shared with the official. Not much of it was positive. Throughout our post game conversation the official listened attentively and nodded from time to time. Several questions were asked as well. At the completion of our conversation it was apparent we both were relieved. I was because I anticipated a confrontation – it never happened. It just wasn’t in my comfort zone. The official thanked me and said that they wished it would have happened earlier. They handled it with class. They “got it.” The Classless On the other end of the spectrum there are situations that displays that some people just don’t get it. You may have seen on ESPN a feature called “C’mon man!” It is a highlight show that features plays or situations that make the commentator say – “C’mon man!” It was a beautiful fall Saturday morning when 3 fellow officials and I took to the field to officiating a youth 5th grade football game. The game pitted two teams on different ends of the spectrum. One undefeated and talented – the other was winless, but determined. The better of the two teams was struggling a bit and frustrations began to grow. Classic case of David vs. Goliath in the making. Keep in mind that these games are basically attended by just parents of the players. Midway through the 3rd quarter with the game tied, a fan (aka “parent”) of the frustrated team yells out, “Billy get in there and punch ‘em in the face.” That was followed from a comment from one of Billy’s coaches – “Yeah Billy, punch him in the face!” After flags flew for unsportsmanlike conduct and the league supervisor had a discussion with both the parent and coach things finally settled down. This was 5th grade. Really? C’mon man! Another “C’mon man!” situation that came up this fall was during a varsity football game. In our pre-game visit with the coach he indicated to us that if we had any problems with his players that he would see to it that they were dealt with. Specifically, he wanted to know even if any of his players were cursing on the field. He wasn’t going to tolerate any of it and the offenders would be pulled out and benched. One of his quotes was, “we stress life skills and sportsmanship in our program.” On the first change of possession, with his team punting, the ball was returned near this coaches bench. One of his players made a nice hit on the return man that left the returner a bit staggered. He then proceeded to stand over him and call him things his Pastor wouldn’t be proud of. Two flags flew. And they flew high. I reported to the coach what the penalty was, specifically what his player did, and yes – word for word what the player said. He looked me in the eye and calmly asked what number it was on as if he didn’t know. The number was reported to the coach at which he said, “ok, thanks.” And turned and walked away. They player wasn’t addressed and he never came out. So much for citizenship and sportsmanship. Really? C’mon man! One last item – a request on behalf of all officials to coaches. Please take the time to do your officials evaluations. Good , bad or neutral we all need to have input from you. Remember it’s just a game – try and keep it fun. Eiter is a high school teacher and baseball coach in Detroit Lakes, MN. He currently officiates football and basketball and is a former baseball and softball umpire. He can be contacted at dlref@hotmail.com. |
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