For home games I was responsible for attending to the officials lockerroom (locking it after they took the court, unlocking it at half and after game). The university provided the usual, towels, water and after games, we provided sandwiches (most often from Paul’s Deli). Our standard sub was the Holly. One example (of many) was a ref throwing the sandwich in the trash and basically saying nobody asked him what he wanted and (W&M) would always be 2nd rate because of operations like that.
Others asked for fresh, yes heated, towels from the dryer. Cologne & hair spray smell would about gag a maggot. Several of the most vain humans on the planet, and this was WELL before Ted Valentine.
One thing I didn’t mention to @Will Stewart in our conversation was the time I was prepping the shower area and they didn’t know I was around the corner and a younger ref was asking how he’d get more TV games to get “his name out there more”. Veteran ref told him he’d put a good word in with the “Carolina boys” and if he did that to make sure “not to piss them off” if/when he got a game.

I did make a snide comment once after a particularly contentious L to UofR when they came back and beat us while “committing” 3 fouls in the entire 2nd half while pressing. He smirked and said (paraphrasing as I can’t remember direct quotes from 25 yrs ago) -y’all actually think you had a chance vs them? They’re in first and you’re next to last-

To be fair I had several who were good guys and appreciated my help and thanked me and were always cordial. One was Brian Kersey who recently stopped doing games and is a commissioner of officials. He came in and did scrimmages and educated players in beginning of year on rules changes and/or points of emphasis As he lived near Williamsburg at the time.

Maybe I hold a long grudge, but about 50-60% of the ones I came across were arrogant, vain and I wouldn’t trust them period.

I know 48tnhokie was one of the good guys and honestly he needed to be elevated for it. Unless he didn’t want to move up, he was an honest ref.

They have a HARD job. I would love to try the job (did some Jr high and Rec ball but knees won’t allow it) because I love the game and I respect the shape these guys stay in. I wish a guy like Ted Valentine (who’s technically very good) would lose some of the ego and be more like Kersey for example. Just too many prima donnas for my liking.

If you don’t think these ego driven guys are influenced by home crowds, the TV time they get on reviews, the charge call drama, and momentum, you’re naive. My experience says 50% at best are doing it solely for love of the game. The rest love the travel, the face time, the money in addition to the game. Love it enough to just turn a deaf ear to the criticism that comes.

I feel for the 50% good guys (my Dad was a HS ref for many years until I started playing varsity so he gave it up to prevent bias accusations), because they try and they’re going to miss calls and get called out for it, but otherwise, there’s too many in it for good ole boy connection, $$ and vanity


[Post edited by hokiepro at 12/17/2018 11:33AM]