Getting Fired And Working Through The Experience

Now that we have completed another collegiate officiating season, its time to reflect back on what we learned and didn't learn.  One of the greatest joys is watching a new official mature in their officiating skills and move into new depths of competency--but its also gut-wrenching to watch an official crash and burn.  Sadly, we see both scenarios fairly often in the officiating world.

Frankly, there are some officials who need to be fired--usually not because of lack of rules knowledge but because of lack of personal skills.  Whether you are in the SEC or the Big 12 or any other collegiate venue, coaches are going to fire officials every year.  Even though we may not like it and may even be offended over it, they have the right to do so since we are independent contractors and they are our employers.  Here are some of the reasons that officials were fired for this year:

*  The official told the coach he was an "ignorant prick."  Probably should have been fired sooner than later.
*  The coach didn't like the official's attitude on the court.  Again we go back to personal demeanor and skills.  Usually if their attitude was bad on the court its probably worse when they are with other officials.
*  The coach thought the official was weak in their line calls.
*  The coach felt the official didn't know the rules.
*  The coach felt the official was afraid to overrule.  Of course, he meant that for the other team only.
*  The coach thought the official looked like a slob.  And he did.  Make sure you are clean-shaven and smell good.
*  The coach didn't want the official barred from all of collegiate officiating--just from any of their matches or matches that involved their coach friends.
*  The coach said the official was rude and condescending to him/her and the players.  And he/she was right!  Rude and condescending doesn't stop when they get out of the chair--its bone deep!

Coordinators have a difficult task when a coach or conference official demands that an official be fired from doing their matches.  Ultimately, we have to honor the wishes but sometimes it helps to try to talk through the issue before formally removing an official from those assignments.  When that doesn't work, they are gone...

Getting fired from a certainly school isn't the end of the world--unless you let it be.  Here are some things to remember if you have been fired:

*  Its not always your fault--but it usually is.  Be honest in your personal evaluation of your attitudes, demeanor, conduct, and personal relationships.  Usually that which got  you fired spills over into other areas of your life.
*  Don't get mad and cause trouble.  That will only come back to bite you in the rear.  Take your punishment and learn from it.  Work on every aspect of your officiating skill set.
*  Don't confront the coach that fired you.  Pouring gas on the fire will only make it worse--remember they all have friends!
*  Don't get mad at your coordinator.  Sometimes they have no choice and you don't know how many times they went to bat for you before you were fired.  Remember--if the coordinator didn't like you, you wouldn't be there in the first place.
*  Give it a little time and you may be able to return.  If you aren't too deeply offended and ultimately want to work at that school again, just relax and do your best.  Cream will always rise to the top.
*  Don't quit officiating.  We've all been insulted and most of us have been fired at one time or another.  Its part of officiating but be sure to learn from it.
*  Don't get your panties in a wad.  Its not becoming and will get you fired from your other assignments.
*  Don't run around telling other officials, "I have no idea why they fired me," when you know down deep exactly why.
*  Ask someone you know and trust how you can improve.  Let them be honest and then work on what they tell you.
*  Ask the Lord to forgive you for being an insensitive, rude pig and then let Him work on making you useable again...  This is the best solution I can offer!!!

The Joys of Tennis Offficiating

If you only listen to officials, players, parents, and coaches then you might come to think that tennis officiating is a dreadful profession and there is nothing fun or joyous about it--but don't listen to the naysayers--tennis officiating is a great profession and one that brings much joy into the life of an official.

Here are some of the joys of tennis officiating:

*  There is a sense of accomplishment when you pass all of the tests.  Contrary to what some may think, we actually do have to pass annual exams to be an official.
*  Its a great opportunity to learn about human nature and especially during stress and trials.
*  You get to meet some of the greatest kids in the world.  They aren't all bad...
*  You experience the privilege of working with some of the finest coaches in any sport.  99% of them are fantastic people and our times together should be treasured.
*  Its a profession where you can always improve and that fact should continually inspire you.
*  You get to meet some of the best parents in the world.  The bad apples always get the headlines and the attention but there are far more wonderful parents than the bad ones.
*  Hopefully you get to impart some good into the lives of the people you come into contact with.
*  You get to hear Gary Tolbert call out the score in his "ministerial voice" and wonder why he wasn't a preacher.
*  You get to see Ginny James come out in a new outfit every day.
*  You get to drive to Stillwater and see all the sights.
*  You get to watch Myron Krueger drive down I-35 and not kill himself and others.
*  You get to see Carol Bruehler continually prop herself up with her hand on her hip and not do permanent damage.
*  You get to watch Rick Gabel and Ty McDonald try to drink every beer known to man.
*  You get an up-close glimpse of David Roditi's hat.
*  You get to hear Michael Center try to convince us that he can see the far sideline better than we can when we are up in a chair.
*  You get to eat the free tacos and pizza that they give you at TCU.
*  You get to hear some deluded people try to convince others that they have an "elite program."
*  You get to watch Cheryl Jones try to make assignments that please everyone.
*  You get to have John Roddick tell you that you have made the worst call he has ever seen in his entire life.
*  You actually get to work with some coaches that are men and women of integrity and treat each other and us like human beings worth of honor and respect.
*  You get to see pro chair officials elevate themselves to heights that only they can conjure up and the wait for them to fall from their perch.  Remember--pride always comes before a fall...
*  You get to see Mary Lynn Satur work diligently on not saying the "f-word" so often.
*  You get to be right on the court with some of the finest competitors in any sport.

These are just a few of the many reasons that we have great joy in what we do--but then there are times of weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Isn't it great to have the wonderful Biblical promise that it only lasts for the night and there will be a shout of joy in the morning!

"Entitled Coaches." What Do You Do With Them?

Now that we have discussed entitled officials and parents, its time to turn our attention to entitled coaches.  Thankfully, they are very few and far between but the ones that exist deal much misery and scorn.  The great and vast majority of coaches are fine, upstanding folks that love the game and love their players (most of the time.)  But then, there are a few...

Attributes of an entitled coach:
*  Has a vastly inflated opinion of himself/herself.
*  Usually condescending to most people in their lives.
*  Probably graduated from college with a grade point around 2.7
*  If a male, given to frequent outbursts and profanity.
*  If a female, communicates their air of superiority with smugness and contempt toward others.
*  If they happen to be a winner with their team, they don't hesitate to share it with anyone who will listen.
*  Tends to think themselves an authority on every subject known to modern man.
*  Masters of manipulating players, parents, and officials.
*  Tend to think that they deserve "home cooking" whenever they play at home.
*  Can be manipulative of officials to get what they want.
*  Usually quite skilled in manipulative techniques.  As an official, learn them and beware.
*  If a male, very seldom eats salads but if they do, they have to have chicken or fish in them.
*  If a female, tends to overdo the makeup if they are feminine, and goes full out masculine if they lean that way.
*  Usually overextended in their financial obligations unless they make a ridiculously high salary but then, they tend to spend a lot.
*  Usually makes sure their outerwear is color coordinator.  Not sure about their underwear, but don't want to go there.
*  Treat officials "nicely" but with undergirdings of contempt.
*  Think they know all of the rules.
*  Cannot stand to be questioned or coded.
*  Has no intrinsic respect for their players but think of them merely as pawns in a game.
*  Knows full well that a team takes on the personality of their coach and tend to exploit it.
*  Usually doesn't stay long at one school.

How to deal with an entitled coach:
*  Be sure you know your rules because they will question you on every hand.
*  Be firm in your rulings and interpretations.  They can't stand an official that can't make up their mind.
*  Be sensitive to their moods--it will help as you strive to work with them.
*  Be loving--because they know that noone else really loves or cares about them.
*  If you want some fun, continually compliment them on everything from their team to their clothing and watch how they eat it up.  Remember their lives are based on the praise of others.
*  Watch out for sneaky tricks.  They have a bag full of them.
*  Remember that their players will usually emulate the attitudes and conduct of the coach.
*  Praise Jesus daily that there aren't many of them.

Working with coaches is one of the most rewarding but also the most taxing part of being an official.  The good ones are a joy and the "difficult" ones are a test.  Thank the Lord that the vast, vast majority of coaches are the good ones...

"Entitled Parents" And How To Deal With Them

Now that we have pointed out the existence of "entitled officials", let's move on to discuss "entitled parents".  Seems that they are appearing more and more frequently in the tennis world and its imperative that we as officials learn to deal with them for our own safety and the integrity of the game.

Here are some of the characteristics of an "entitled parent":

*  Usually  highly opinionated and agressive.
*  Has very few friends in the tennis world--or in the universe.
*  Normally is projecting what they wanted as a child on their own child.
*  Has a child that never cheats or does anything wrong.
*  Very seldom sits with their mate if the mate will even accompany them to a match.
*  Their normal speaking voice is loud but their screaming voice is even louder.
*  Convinced that they know more than any official or parent.
*  Very quick to confront an official.
*  If a female, probably looks much like the woman in the picture above.
*  Loves to coach their child even though its against the rules.
*  Tries to sneak around when disobeying the rules so no official will see them.
*  Usually berates their child after a match.  Frequently does this in front of everyone.
*  More than willing to confront other parents or opponents of their child.
*  If a male, usually quick to point out what a great athlete he was in high school and college.
*  If a male, loves to name names of famous people he knows.
*  Usually paces around the stands and fence when their child is playing.
*  Sweats profusely and swears even more profusely.
*  Probably a Democrat or a rich Republican.

How to deal with an "entitled parent":

*  Watch them carefully.  You will probably be able to hear them before you see them.
*  Approach carefully because they respond aggressively to anyone questioning them.
*  Be firm and speak in a normal voice.
*  Do not get into a yelling match with them.
*  Do not let them bully you.  That's usually how they win arguments and get their way.
*  Remind them that you are giving them a warning and the next violation will result in a point penalty for their child and their removal from the tennis center.
*  Do not stand around and argue with them.
*  If they violate the rules again, do what you told them you would do.  Giving continuous warnings only enables their bad behavior.
*  Remember that you can call the local police if the situation escalates.
*  Always write them up if there is a confrontation.
*  Ask them if they would like to pray together and sing a hymn together after a confrontation.  This will either endear them to you or get you run over by a truck.
*  Always proceed carefully and wisely with an entitled parent as they can respond very negatively and very quickly when confronted.
*  If you are a male official, wear a cup to work and be glad you have it.

Good luck as you work in our wonderful world of officiating!

The Perfect Shoe For The Entitled Official

Just couldn't pass this one up when I saw the "absolute perfect shoe for the entitled official."  Wonder how many will be wearing them at Wimbledon this year?

"Entitled" Officials and Their Devastating Effects

The dreaded "ENTITLED OFFICIAL" who didn't get his way...

As tennis officials we have all encountered the dreaded "entitled kid" along with all their faults and failures--and we have encountered the "entitled parent" that usually raised that disgusting kid.  We usually look to the Junior Tennis Council for help but alas, none is coming...

Worse than the adults and demon-children, are the "entitled officials" that seem to be springing up everywhere.  Its like the legal definition of porn--you don't know to define it but you know it when you see it.  Same holds true for entitled officials.  Here are some of their characteristics:

*  Always complaining about everything and anything.
*  The food is never good enough for them or delivered on time to suit them.
*  Never satisfied.  There isn't a hotel that would make them happy.
*  Can't understand why they might actually have a roommate.
*  Feels that everyone owes them something in the officiating world.
*  Gets mad when they don't get to chair the #1 singles or doubles match.
*  Thinks they know it all and frequently share that view with others.
*  Their favorite line is:  "I never have trouble in my matches."
*  Their first question is always, "How much am I getting paid?"  And then it is never enough...
*  Calls the referee within two days of the match/tournament completion and wanting to know why they haven't been paid yet.
*  Always want to know when they can go home.
*  Usually very confrontational with coaches, players, and fans.
*  Doesn't take instruction or correction well.
*  If female, usually wears her shorts much shorter than everyone else.
*  If male, usually drives the newest car and/or biggest truck.
*  If male, frequently shares how much money they make.
*  If female, frequently complains about how men get the best assignments and make the most money.
*  The more they drink, the more they brag on themselves.
*  Always wants to know who got which line in singles.
*  Frequently criticizes other officials and freely offers them advice on how to improve.
*  If married and female, has a husband at home that's glad she's gone.
*  If married and male, has a wife at home that is praising Jesus he's not around for a week.

Those are just a few of their characteristics--now the real question is "What do you do with them?"  Here are some solutions:

*  First and foremost, never hire them again.
*  If you hire them, then you can't complain because you asked for it.
*  Give them the #6 singles match to help them learn humility.
*  Make them do the far sideline in doubles to help them get in shape.
*  Always be sure they have a roommate so maybe they won't come back.
*  Be sure that lunch is always delivered to their site LAST.
*  Never invite them to go out to eat with everyone else.
*  Make sure your car is full when they ask for a ride.
*  Be sure to recommend them to your friends who are referees so maybe they will hire them and get them away from you.
*  Pray that they quit.
*  Tell them that they need more training--and then they will quit!
*  Be sure to assign them to McAllen or El Paso for all their matches.
*  Get Subway to deliver day-old sandwiches to their site.
*  Get an empty water bottle and fill it with ordinary tap water just for them.

We all know them--send in your thoughts and suggestions about how to deal with them...

"The Gathering 2016" A Great Time Had By All

This past weekend we celebrated our fourth annual "Gathering" at the Tolbert lake house--and what a great weekend it was!  There were jet skiis, volleyball, pool, foosball, and tons of food!  What more could you ask for.  If you didn't get to come this year, hopefully you will be able to make it next year.  Its open to all ITA officials in Texas--and maybe a few from Oklahoma.

GARY AND PAM TOLBERT graciously shared their beautiful new lake home with us!

The kitchen was the central gathering place for the entire weekend.  Here is Ty McDonald and Brighton McMinn trying to figure out what to eat next and Gary Tolbert wondering what they are going to choose.

No "Gathering" would be complete without the "beer snob from Austin" (RICK GABEL) treating us to his brews.

The highlight of the week was the jet skiis.  Here is GARY TOLBERT towing a couple of the guys.

RICK GABEL AND TY MCDONALD enjoying a moment on the raft.

The Corn Hole Toss tournament was awesome!  Here are the 2016 CORN HOLE WINNERS! (Brighton McMinn and Ty McDonald)

The most intense competition was in the pool tournament won by TOM WRIGHT & NANCY EDWARDS.  Congratulations to our winners!

Headed out on the lake from left to right is RANDALL EDWARDS, NANCY EDWARDS, RANDY MCDONALD, AND MARY LYNN SATUR.

Everyone had a great time--even our little friend!  He was there to greet us and there when we all left...