Date:         Thu, 24 Jul 2003 09:08:21 EDT
Reply-To:     [log in to unmask]
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         [log in to unmask]
Subject:      Re: Just needing to vent
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 7/24/03 4:15:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Steve Meyers wrote that, after a rough game, he took a bunch of flak:
> >... These people will complain to my assignor and attempt to wield
> >their influence to (as one coach said [I believe he was a coach])
> >never have me officiate them again. This stuff influences assignors
> >in what way ? How should an assignor view this / address this type
> >of complaint ?
>
> That comment about never having you ref for them again now gets a very
> specific reaction from me.  I tell the person my name, and ask theirs.
> After I have their name, I tell them that I don't like being threatened,
> that I am recording the incident as a send-off/red card for abuse, and good
> day.  Then, I'll file a match report and report the discussion to my
> assignor, who I hope will have the integrity and judgment to assign me
> appropriately

>>>>>>>

Mr. Gordon and I sometimes disagree!  :=)  This is one such time.

I think this approach is plainly wrong for TWO reasons.  First, it absolutely
pours more gasoline on the fire.  Why not just walk away?  Report it if you
want to, but to hand around giving your name, rank and serial number while
TRYING to get theirs is really asking for more trouble.  If there ever was a "just
walk away" case, this is it.

But secondly, WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO BACK?  If you have had a lot of trouble
with a specific team or specific coach, why do you want to expose yourself to
the risk again?  Do you really think you will do such a bangup job the second
time around that you will PROVE your competence to them?  Or do you think they
will be laying for you?

This sort of comment always gets a specific reaction from me as well.  I walk
away, go straight home, call the assignor, and tell him that team can do
without my top rated ability to referee their games for a year or two.  It's their
loss, not mine.  I have more offers for games than I can accept in the first
place.

Regards
Jim MacQueen
Akron, OH