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!!!