Wednesday, February 13, 2002
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Wednesday, February 13, 2002 |
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Rec league adult antics threaten refs and kids I have one question. When a person goes to work, do they expect to work in an environment that is not hostile? I believe the answer is yes. Why is it that [Peachtree C]ity does not support the working officials to create this kind of behavior? Has the behavior improved from last year? Absolutely yes. However, the situation that occurred at St. Paul's Lutheran Church [recently] is unacceptable. A 16-year-old was officiating the game with an adult, and a coach did not like a call and the referee smirked, so the coach yelled while approaching the referee on the court, "So you think it is funny! You think it's funny!" The 16-year-old called the police and the other referee had to restrain the coach. Now, the coach never received a technical foul and the game was played on. Were there mistakes by the referees for not calling a technical? Yes, but when a coach is coming on the court and is upset about his son getting elbowed, a referee can feel intimidated. The basketball board met and did nothing to the coach and the 16-year-old was told he overreacted. The 16-year-old felt threatened by the coach and he did the right thing by calling the police. What protection does the ref have at a rec game? None! I have been refereeing high school basketball for 18 years and I have never felt threatened at a high school game. I felt threatened over 100 times at recreation games. It's not that the fans act any different. The difference is that in a high school game there is protection before, during, and after. There needs to be zero tolerance towards the referee by all people at the games. Again, what protection does a ref have at a rec game? None. At a high school game there are administrators, police and coaches that must behave or they have consequences. Nothing should be said to the referees, no exceptions. Parents, come on, how enjoyable is it when you can watch your son play without having to hear, "Foul! ... 3 seconds! ... Bad call, ref! ..." Are you wondering why the games are poorly officiated? Well, no high school referee wants to ref these games because of the behavior of the fans and the lack of support by the leagues running these games. Citizen, there is a story here, just find it. Before there is another stabbing, do a story on recreation leagues and how they are run. Just go over to East Fayette Elementary during the week to watch 18-and-under boys and you will see a mockery of the game. Name withheld
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