Referee accountability?
- Thread starter Nick Brockdorff
- Start date
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duffistuta
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Scintillating as this little exchange is, I feel I have to point out that my dad is actually bigger than both your dads, which I hope ends that particular detour down PBN Alley.
Interesting discussion...
You'd be surprised how many refs in the Millennium series are not welcomed back. Maybe just not the one's Nick doesn't want back.
Shamu: nail:head.
Ditto Baca. A much more comprehensive training and certification program is needed...everywhere in paintball, not just in NPPL. And it must be conducted by people who know what they're doing. I'm beginning to believe we'll see that happen in the not-too-distant future.
Concerning radios, they make a world of difference if used right, like the NXL refs. In that case every swingin' dick has one and is required to constantly listen and respond. The tower ref says, "Jack, on the left side of his hopper in the back corner!" and a split-second later the player's gone. Or the head ref says, "Nick, X!" and a head quickly turns to check someone at the X.
The quality of the radios also makes a big difference because too many of the so-called radios used these days are no better than my first "hi-fi".
Another point is Xball as a format lends itself to better reffing and gives the refs the tools to keep things in check.
You'd be surprised how many refs in the Millennium series are not welcomed back. Maybe just not the one's Nick doesn't want back.
Shamu: nail:head.
Ditto Baca. A much more comprehensive training and certification program is needed...everywhere in paintball, not just in NPPL. And it must be conducted by people who know what they're doing. I'm beginning to believe we'll see that happen in the not-too-distant future.
Concerning radios, they make a world of difference if used right, like the NXL refs. In that case every swingin' dick has one and is required to constantly listen and respond. The tower ref says, "Jack, on the left side of his hopper in the back corner!" and a split-second later the player's gone. Or the head ref says, "Nick, X!" and a head quickly turns to check someone at the X.
The quality of the radios also makes a big difference because too many of the so-called radios used these days are no better than my first "hi-fi".
Another point is Xball as a format lends itself to better reffing and gives the refs the tools to keep things in check.
I don't really know what preparation/training goes into Millenium event reffing, but i would suggest that you actually give a good enough pay that would actually make it worthwhile to ref, because i know it is a hassle to do, but by offering a good sum you could probably have enough candidates to actually pick which ones are qualified, and you should have a waiting list, make every reffing crew have "ref training" given by a head judge or something of the sort, actually test the people that are going into the fields to ref...
And about the use of radios, as was said in the post before mine, i actually do think that they can be put to a good use and make it easier for the refs on the field to do their job well.´
Just my 2 cents...
And about the use of radios, as was said in the post before mine, i actually do think that they can be put to a good use and make it easier for the refs on the field to do their job well.´
Just my 2 cents...
Personally I think the trick is to use people who are not players to be the judges. Of course they will need training and need to be kept in check but imagine a professional band of judges??
In some way in the old days of the EPSF we had that. Each marshall, or judge as I prefer, had to attend a training course. The course covered all aspects of Tourney play at the time, even down to the "what not to wear" on a field. The course also included scenarios games where people were put on the spot to deal with real (acted) situations (which is where as Gulo we always had fun - especially the "using a judge as a shield" trick!). The course even covered a little first aid and once qualified you were given the coverted EPSF Jacket.
There were quite a number of non players that were registered EPSF marshalls and they marshalled regularly. Some came from sites who wanted to do more than marshall customers - others were paintball widows. Many of you may recall Stan Higgett? - I only knew him as a marshall / ultimate!
There was accountablity through the EPSF as a number I know received a ticking off - (one at Camp Masters is a particular I remember).
However as the years went on numbers diminished and Gulo ended up being the last of the few that continued to marshall, until they disbanded.
In some way in the old days of the EPSF we had that. Each marshall, or judge as I prefer, had to attend a training course. The course covered all aspects of Tourney play at the time, even down to the "what not to wear" on a field. The course also included scenarios games where people were put on the spot to deal with real (acted) situations (which is where as Gulo we always had fun - especially the "using a judge as a shield" trick!). The course even covered a little first aid and once qualified you were given the coverted EPSF Jacket.
There were quite a number of non players that were registered EPSF marshalls and they marshalled regularly. Some came from sites who wanted to do more than marshall customers - others were paintball widows. Many of you may recall Stan Higgett? - I only knew him as a marshall / ultimate!
There was accountablity through the EPSF as a number I know received a ticking off - (one at Camp Masters is a particular I remember).
However as the years went on numbers diminished and Gulo ended up being the last of the few that continued to marshall, until they disbanded.
I've found a treasure chest of resources about professional officiating at the National Association of Sports Officiating website www.naso.org. This is an organization that encompasses all the major sports in America plus some and has a membership base of almost 20,000. They have a whole library of books and booklets about the art of officiating including one called Accountability in Officiating which is very germaine to the title of this thread. Here is a blurb about that book:
____________________________________
“Accountability in officiating” was the focus of NASO’s Sports Officiating 2003 Conference. This book is the result. It is filled with thoughtful discussion and specific advice that will have you critically re-thinking your approach to officiating. Plus, it is a guide to officials, their leaders and administrators alike for building accountability into officiating programs. Setting standards, evaluating performance, and consequences — the basics of accountability — applied to officiating.
And gives in-depth coverage to:
¤ The impact of scrutiny. How to prepare yourself for it. Media responsibilities and officials responses.
¤ Game accountability. Dealing with officiating errors. Responding to a crisis.
¤ Off-the-field accountability. A higher standard of conduct for officials? What standards apply?
¤ Programs of accountability. A code of conduct? What are appropriate disciplinary measures? Establishing a system of rewards. Media management. Legal rights and responsibilities.
The book bears down on these two critical questions:
What do officials owe to the Game?
What does the Game owe to officials
__________________________________
There are also other books too numerous to mention with titles such as: The Official's Role in Improving Sportsmanship, Special Reports: Evaluating Officiating Performance, When They're in Your Face and How to Deal With It, Making The Call: The Inner Game Of Sports Officiating, The 44 Most-Common Officiating Errors And How To Avoid Them
If things develop like some of us hope then we will have at least one international reffing corp within a few years. With the help of good, sound ideas based on years of experience maybe we can train referees who will be as good as in any sport.
A lot of work will still need to be done to get rid of undue political influence from manufacturers, promoters and team owners/managers. There will also need to be a lot more respect, support and backing-up of the referee corp by the league.
____________________________________
“Accountability in officiating” was the focus of NASO’s Sports Officiating 2003 Conference. This book is the result. It is filled with thoughtful discussion and specific advice that will have you critically re-thinking your approach to officiating. Plus, it is a guide to officials, their leaders and administrators alike for building accountability into officiating programs. Setting standards, evaluating performance, and consequences — the basics of accountability — applied to officiating.
And gives in-depth coverage to:
¤ The impact of scrutiny. How to prepare yourself for it. Media responsibilities and officials responses.
¤ Game accountability. Dealing with officiating errors. Responding to a crisis.
¤ Off-the-field accountability. A higher standard of conduct for officials? What standards apply?
¤ Programs of accountability. A code of conduct? What are appropriate disciplinary measures? Establishing a system of rewards. Media management. Legal rights and responsibilities.
The book bears down on these two critical questions:
What do officials owe to the Game?
What does the Game owe to officials
__________________________________
There are also other books too numerous to mention with titles such as: The Official's Role in Improving Sportsmanship, Special Reports: Evaluating Officiating Performance, When They're in Your Face and How to Deal With It, Making The Call: The Inner Game Of Sports Officiating, The 44 Most-Common Officiating Errors And How To Avoid Them
If things develop like some of us hope then we will have at least one international reffing corp within a few years. With the help of good, sound ideas based on years of experience maybe we can train referees who will be as good as in any sport.
A lot of work will still need to be done to get rid of undue political influence from manufacturers, promoters and team owners/managers. There will also need to be a lot more respect, support and backing-up of the referee corp by the league.
Reffing
There appears to be a lot of finger pointing at refs here, but, perhaps theres a little more to it than that. The refs are only a part of what is provided by a tourney organiser (i.e. the guy with your cash). If you are not happy with any element of a tourney you have every right to complain. Someone has to carry the can for the quality of reffing, and that has to be the organiser.
So here's the thought........if you are not happy with the reffing at a tourney, ask for a refund (remember, there are 7 of you and 1 of him!). If this happens often enough, organisers will be financially encouraged to improve the standard of the reffing they provide.
There appears to be a lot of finger pointing at refs here, but, perhaps theres a little more to it than that. The refs are only a part of what is provided by a tourney organiser (i.e. the guy with your cash). If you are not happy with any element of a tourney you have every right to complain. Someone has to carry the can for the quality of reffing, and that has to be the organiser.
So here's the thought........if you are not happy with the reffing at a tourney, ask for a refund (remember, there are 7 of you and 1 of him!). If this happens often enough, organisers will be financially encouraged to improve the standard of the reffing they provide.
Great topic ...
I agree with some of you saying its hard to get ref because who wants to stand in the middle of the sun, getting scream at and shot at more than players .. the worst thing is, only several players spend a few seconds of their time thanking the ref ..
Some of the good ref are true to the gaem, with real motivation to improve teh quality of paintball. But sometimes the abuse they receive, well sort of demoralized them .. hey you can get the fun and fame being a good player ... but I met a lot of players blaming the ref when they lost ... so who should the ref blame?
There are good ref and there bad ones, but I guess it all goes to the REASON why the wanted to ref anyway ...
I have been a ref, and have receive a lot of abuse from players, and spectators ... I guess if you wanted something to change, you must start from yourself ..
I agree with some of you saying its hard to get ref because who wants to stand in the middle of the sun, getting scream at and shot at more than players .. the worst thing is, only several players spend a few seconds of their time thanking the ref ..
Some of the good ref are true to the gaem, with real motivation to improve teh quality of paintball. But sometimes the abuse they receive, well sort of demoralized them .. hey you can get the fun and fame being a good player ... but I met a lot of players blaming the ref when they lost ... so who should the ref blame?
There are good ref and there bad ones, but I guess it all goes to the REASON why the wanted to ref anyway ...
I have been a ref, and have receive a lot of abuse from players, and spectators ... I guess if you wanted something to change, you must start from yourself ..