OHSSA letter to parents

[baseball16]

mlittle: I have been officiating for 11 years now. I really love the game and running up and down the floor! It's still fun to me. Have I had my run ins with fans? Sure but nothing a deputy couldn't handle! LOL I guess my biggest beef with fans are the ones who yell things that make no sense and they yell just to yell. If I make a call I already know half the fans are not going to like it so that's fine. It's the ones that yell 3 seconds when there is no one in the lane or when the ball is banging off the rim. Or the "walk" call. Too many people see something that looks funny and feel they should shout out the violation. I am good with that. I guess my biggest thing is when a player goes down and the crowd blames us! I have thrown more fans out for yelling while the player is being tended to than any other time. Once a girl was going up for a layup and blew her knee out when no one touched her and a fan started yelling at us that if we would have called something she wouldn't be lying there. Made no sense. So I got rid of him! LOL
I will say this: I would much rather officiate a packed house then a game with only 30-50 people in it! Packed house it's all muffled and loud and really makes the game. 30-50 people you hear about everything from what they had for dinner to what their plans are after the game.
And I agree, I remember fans being thrown out when I played in the 80's and early 90's. That hasn't changed. I feel a lot of places the administration doesn't support officials real well. But if they would start holding fans accountable and banning them from the games when they are tossed then it would settle down some! JMO
I say yell all you want but just make sense on what you are yelling.

[mlittle]

mlittle: I have been officiating for 11 years now. I really love the game and running up and down the floor! It's still fun to me. Have I had my run ins with fans? Sure but nothing a deputy couldn't handle! LOL I guess my biggest beef with fans are the ones who yell things that make no sense and they yell just to yell. If I make a call I already know half the fans are not going to like it so that's fine. It's the ones that yell 3 seconds when there is no one in the lane or when the ball is banging off the rim. Or the "walk" call. Too many people see something that looks funny and feel they should shout out the violation. I am good with that. I guess my biggest thing is when a player goes down and the crowd blames us! I have thrown more fans out for yelling while the player is being tended to than any other time. Once a girl was going up for a layup and blew her knee out when no one touched her and a fan started yelling at us that if we would have called something she wouldn't be lying there. Made no sense. So I got rid of him! LOL
I will say this: I would much rather officiate a packed house then a game with only 30-50 people in it! Packed house it's all muffled and loud and really makes the game. 30-50 people you hear about everything from what they had for dinner to what their plans are after the game.
And I agree, I remember fans being thrown out when I played in the 80's and early 90's. That hasn't changed. I feel a lot of places the administration doesn't support officials real well. But if they would start holding fans accountable and banning them from the games when they are tossed then it would settle down some! JMO
I say yell all you want but just make sense on what you are yelling.

One of the most honest thoughts I’ve heard from an official.

You must be over 40. Id imagine you represent most officials with your thoughts and the ones that really get their feelings hurt are the minority here. Like I said before. You guys have to know the abuse that comes with the territory. I love giving refs a hard time and complain about them often it’s just part of the fun of sports. But I’ve never been one to blame a loss on the officiating and never will. I feel like the way games are officiating does tend to benefit certain teams over others but as long as it’s consistent I have no problem with that. I also feel like In most games bad or missed calls balance out between the teams most of the time. I just think a lot of officials need to thicken up a bit and realize it’s not personal. It’s a culture and it isn’t some new phenomenon. Thank you for your thoughts Mr. Official!

[Ironman92]

mlittle: I have been officiating for 11 years now. I really love the game and running up and down the floor! It's still fun to me. Have I had my run ins with fans? Sure but nothing a deputy couldn't handle! LOL I guess my biggest beef with fans are the ones who yell things that make no sense and they yell just to yell. If I make a call I already know half the fans are not going to like it so that's fine. It's the ones that yell 3 seconds when there is no one in the lane or when the ball is banging off the rim. Or the "walk" call. Too many people see something that looks funny and feel they should shout out the violation. I am good with that. I guess my biggest thing is when a player goes down and the crowd blames us! I have thrown more fans out for yelling while the player is being tended to than any other time. Once a girl was going up for a layup and blew her knee out when no one touched her and a fan started yelling at us that if we would have called something she wouldn't be lying there. Made no sense. So I got rid of him! LOL
I will say this: I would much rather officiate a packed house then a game with only 30-50 people in it! Packed house it's all muffled and loud and really makes the game. 30-50 people you hear about everything from what they had for dinner to what their plans are after the game.
And I agree, I remember fans being thrown out when I played in the 80's and early 90's. That hasn't changed. I feel a lot of places the administration doesn't support officials real well. But if they would start holding fans accountable and banning them from the games when they are tossed then it would settle down some! JMO
I say yell all you want but just make sense on what you are yelling.

One of the most honest thoughts I’ve heard from an official.

You must be over 40. Id imagine you represent most officials with your thoughts and the ones that really get their feelings hurt are the minority here. Like I said before. You guys have to know the abuse that comes with the territory. I love giving refs a hard time and complain about them often it’s just part of the fun of sports. But I’ve never been one to blame a loss on the officiating and never will. I feel like the way games are officiating does tend to benefit certain teams over others but as long as it’s consistent I have no problem with that. I also feel like In most games bad or missed calls balance out between the teams most of the time. I just think a lot of officials need to thicken up a bit and realize it’s not personal. It’s a culture and it isn’t some new phenomenon. Thank you for your thoughts Mr. Official!

He’s pretty old

[mlittle]

mlittle: I have been officiating for 11 years now. I really love the game and running up and down the floor! It's still fun to me. Have I had my run ins with fans? Sure but nothing a deputy couldn't handle! LOL I guess my biggest beef with fans are the ones who yell things that make no sense and they yell just to yell. If I make a call I already know half the fans are not going to like it so that's fine. It's the ones that yell 3 seconds when there is no one in the lane or when the ball is banging off the rim. Or the "walk" call. Too many people see something that looks funny and feel they should shout out the violation. I am good with that. I guess my biggest thing is when a player goes down and the crowd blames us! I have thrown more fans out for yelling while the player is being tended to than any other time. Once a girl was going up for a layup and blew her knee out when no one touched her and a fan started yelling at us that if we would have called something she wouldn't be lying there. Made no sense. So I got rid of him! LOL
I will say this: I would much rather officiate a packed house then a game with only 30-50 people in it! Packed house it's all muffled and loud and really makes the game. 30-50 people you hear about everything from what they had for dinner to what their plans are after the game.
And I agree, I remember fans being thrown out when I played in the 80's and early 90's. That hasn't changed. I feel a lot of places the administration doesn't support officials real well. But if they would start holding fans accountable and banning them from the games when they are tossed then it would settle down some! JMO
I say yell all you want but just make sense on what you are yelling.

One of the most honest thoughts I’ve heard from an official.

You must be over 40. Id imagine you represent most officials with your thoughts and the ones that really get their feelings hurt are the minority here. Like I said before. You guys have to know the abuse that comes with the territory. I love giving refs a hard time and complain about them often it’s just part of the fun of sports. But I’ve never been one to blame a loss on the officiating and never will. I feel like the way games are officiating does tend to benefit certain teams over others but as long as it’s consistent I have no problem with that. I also feel like In most games bad or missed calls balance out between the teams most of the time. I just think a lot of officials need to thicken up a bit and realize it’s not personal. It’s a culture and it isn’t some new phenomenon. Thank you for your thoughts Mr. Official!

He’s pretty old

I figured. Doesn’t sound like one of those sensitive 30 year old refs. I just hope the refs don’t gang up on my kid and try to foul him out of every game. Take it easy on him. He’s number 22 and plays for Piketon

[Ironman92]

You are returning to ornery in 2019

[mlittle]

You are returning to ornery in 2019

I’ll trim it back a little

[nodumpinpike]

Little, did you transfer your kid back to Piketon and they put him on JV? Varsity doesn’t have a #22

[Ironman92]

Piketon, Illinois

[mlittle]

Little, did you transfer your kid back to Piketon and they put him on JV? Varsity doesn’t have a #22

Are you a referee?

[mlittle]

Little, did you transfer your kid back to Piketon and they put him on JV? Varsity doesn’t have a #22

Are you a referee?

Please don’t use my name on here. This is a site where you can stay anonymous if u choose and I’d like to be able to do that. Thank you for your understanding and respecting my privacy

[baseball16]

Ironman92: Im only 36. LOL Also, I will add 1 more thing then shut up! I feel coaches can control the crowd in a way as well. When a coach gets all crazy and jumping up and down, the players and fans feed off of that and add fuel to the fire! When a coach is in control and coaching then usually the fans will say their piece and move on! Some very good veteran coaches know this tactic. Some younger coaches, not so much! LOL

[Ironman92]

Ironman92: Im only 36. LOL Also, I will add 1 more thing then shut up! I feel coaches can control the crowd in a way as well. When a coach gets all crazy and jumping up and down, the players and fans feed off of that and add fuel to the fire! When a coach is in control and coaching then usually the fans will say their piece and move on! Some very good veteran coaches know this tactic. Some younger coaches, not so much! LOL

Cool, then I’m 34

[FANOSPORTS]

Ironman92: Im only 36. LOL Also, I will add 1 more thing then shut up! I feel coaches can control the crowd in a way as well. When a coach gets all crazy and jumping up and down, the players and fans feed off of that and add fuel to the fire! When a coach is in control and coaching then usually the fans will say their piece and move on! Some very good veteran coaches know this tactic. Some younger coaches, not so much! LOL

I'm 61 and there are more than a couple older good veteran coaches over the years that liked to get the fans involved and weren't and aren't wallflowers on the bench. (I won't name names but 2 coaches had the "stomp" tactic nailed very well, another used the "turn your back to the refs" a lot, another used the "flinging arms" up and down the bench, all at different vital times to keep the fans involved. Even a couple that carried "towels" had an ulterior motive for it at times. Ha!!!!!)

[E High]

Miss those days. Fans understand and it was usually harmless for the most part. Now most coaches don’t get excited about much. Some people used to come to see the players and coaches. Now it’s like going to the library most of the time.

[Big Bob]

Little, did you transfer your kid back to Piketon and they put him on JV? Varsity doesn’t have a #22

No, they're still at Unioto, thank goodness.

As a former official, I'd agree that parents are about the same as they were 20+ years ago. The players, however, at least from my vantage point, are worse. Though I miss it, I don't think I'd want the hassle you get now.

[thebarlowbandit]

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Fans are no different when it comes to yelling at referees now than they were 50 years ago. Fans haven’t gotten worse. We’re the same idiots yelling “3 seconds” “call it both ways” “that’s over the back” etc that were yelling it 50 years ago. What’s changed is the sensitivity of the officials and the general public. Everyone getting their feelings hurt way too easy. There isn’t a single referee that puts on the pin stripes that isn’t aware of the abuse that comes with the job. Here’s an idea. Just focus on getting better at your job and block out the nonsense, you’re professionals. If getting yelled at by passionate fans causes you that much grief then hang up the sneakers and do something else with your time. After reading that letter from ohsaa I’m making it my personal mission to yell at refs even more


Here’s another thought. Maybe parents are worse and it’s because the quality of the officiating has gotten so bad. Maybe the letter should read OHSAA letter to officials.

One could say the same thing about people who pull their kids from their home school to find greener pastures. I mean, maybe little "Mikey" or little "Johnny" should just get better and not have his feelings hurt. After all its "no different than it was 50 years ago". But today, some people want to act like fools, blame others and tell some to toughen up, yet the first adversity you are taking your kids somewhere easier. Some just need to practice a Little of what they preach.

[koondoger]

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Fans are no different when it comes to yelling at referees now than they were 50 years ago. Fans haven’t gotten worse. We’re the same idiots yelling “3 seconds” “call it both ways” “that’s over the back” etc that were yelling it 50 years ago. What’s changed is the sensitivity of the officials and the general public. Everyone getting their feelings hurt way too easy. There isn’t a single referee that puts on the pin stripes that isn’t aware of the abuse that comes with the job. Here’s an idea. Just focus on getting better at your job and block out the nonsense, you’re professionals. If getting yelled at by passionate fans causes you that much grief then hang up the sneakers and do something else with your time. After reading that letter from ohsaa I’m making it my personal mission to yell at refs even more


Here’s another thought. Maybe parents are worse and it’s because the quality of the officiating has gotten so bad. Maybe the letter should read OHSAA letter to officials.

One could say the same thing about people who pull their kids from their home school to find greener pastures. I mean, maybe little "Mikey" or little "Johnny" should just get better and not have his feelings hurt. After all its "no different than it was 50 years ago". But today, some people want to act like fools, blame others and tell some to toughen up, yet the first adversity you are taking your kids somewhere easier. Some just need to practice a Little of what they preach.

There, there now Bandit. We can't be making little Joey cry. He's only 17 for gosh sakes and he always got a trophy in pee wee ball. So he should start now cause he's a senior and all seniors should get to start even if they're no good.

[thebarlowbandit]

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Fans are no different when it comes to yelling at referees now than they were 50 years ago. Fans haven’t gotten worse. We’re the same idiots yelling “3 seconds” “call it both ways” “that’s over the back” etc that were yelling it 50 years ago. What’s changed is the sensitivity of the officials and the general public. Everyone getting their feelings hurt way too easy. There isn’t a single referee that puts on the pin stripes that isn’t aware of the abuse that comes with the job. Here’s an idea. Just focus on getting better at your job and block out the nonsense, you’re professionals. If getting yelled at by passionate fans causes you that much grief then hang up the sneakers and do something else with your time. After reading that letter from ohsaa I’m making it my personal mission to yell at refs even more


Here’s another thought. Maybe parents are worse and it’s because the quality of the officiating has gotten so bad. Maybe the letter should read OHSAA letter to officials.

"You're professionals"

Let's see....In my group of officials we have a salesman, an accountant, an OTA, an IT guy, several teachers, some students, and a couple other miscellaneous careers. So no, we are not professionals. We are people that are out there because we love the game. We are not out there to have every Tom, Dick, and Harry that is sitting 150 feet from the play yelling at us.

This is my first year doing this. I am nearly 60 games in. I have not given a single technical. I have not ejected anyone. I have thick skin. But parents and people are so much worse than they 15-20 years ago. I have coached 2 years prior to this. I have seen it from both sides. I am 36 years old. It is so much worse than it was when I played. If you don't see it then you aren't looking.

If the officiating has gotten so bad, please message me. I will personally pay your $60 to take the class next fall. Then you can come across and give it a shot and improve the quality throughout Southeastern Ohio.

They’re paid to do a job which is the definition of a professional.

I’m 39 and 7/8ths and I remember parents yelling at officials and getting thrown out of games at no different rate than they are now.

I would take you up on that $60 but just like voting, one person doesn’t make a difference.

Given a chance to make a difference but then cowers behind the keyboard....probably looking for a new school.

[mlittle]

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Fans are no different when it comes to yelling at referees now than they were 50 years ago. Fans haven’t gotten worse. We’re the same idiots yelling “3 seconds” “call it both ways” “that’s over the back” etc that were yelling it 50 years ago. What’s changed is the sensitivity of the officials and the general public. Everyone getting their feelings hurt way too easy. There isn’t a single referee that puts on the pin stripes that isn’t aware of the abuse that comes with the job. Here’s an idea. Just focus on getting better at your job and block out the nonsense, you’re professionals. If getting yelled at by passionate fans causes you that much grief then hang up the sneakers and do something else with your time. After reading that letter from ohsaa I’m making it my personal mission to yell at refs even more


Here’s another thought. Maybe parents are worse and it’s because the quality of the officiating has gotten so bad. Maybe the letter should read OHSAA letter to officials.

One could say the same thing about people who pull their kids from their home school to find greener pastures. I mean, maybe little "Mikey" or little "Johnny" should just get better and not have his feelings hurt. After all its "no different than it was 50 years ago". But today, some people want to act like fools, blame others and tell some to toughen up, yet the first adversity you are taking your kids somewhere easier. Some just need to practice a Little of what they preach.

You mad bro?

[thebarlowbandit]

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Fans are no different when it comes to yelling at referees now than they were 50 years ago. Fans haven’t gotten worse. We’re the same idiots yelling “3 seconds” “call it both ways” “that’s over the back” etc that were yelling it 50 years ago. What’s changed is the sensitivity of the officials and the general public. Everyone getting their feelings hurt way too easy. There isn’t a single referee that puts on the pin stripes that isn’t aware of the abuse that comes with the job. Here’s an idea. Just focus on getting better at your job and block out the nonsense, you’re professionals. If getting yelled at by passionate fans causes you that much grief then hang up the sneakers and do something else with your time. After reading that letter from ohsaa I’m making it my personal mission to yell at refs even more


Here’s another thought. Maybe parents are worse and it’s because the quality of the officiating has gotten so bad. Maybe the letter should read OHSAA letter to officials.

One could say the same thing about people who pull their kids from their home school to find greener pastures. I mean, maybe little "Mikey" or little "Johnny" should just get better and not have his feelings hurt. After all its "no different than it was 50 years ago". But today, some people want to act like fools, blame others and tell some to toughen up, yet the first adversity you are taking your kids somewhere easier. Some just need to practice a Little of what they preach.

There, there now Bandit. We can't be making little Joey cry. He's only 17 for gosh sakes and he always got a trophy in pee wee ball. So he should start now cause he's a senior and all seniors should get to start even if they're no good.

Exactly, and do you find it ironic that a grown man on here who says officials should have tougher skin moves his kids because he himself doesn't have tough skin. Wants others to deal with crap, yet won't deal with crap himself. I think we call this hypocrisy.