The face of true contentment.
A few years ago a prominent collegiate coach called and asked if I could come and meet with his men's team and help teach them how to deal with a chair official. After picking myself up from the floor, I actually thought about it and realized he was probably a very wise man...
As officials we often talk about different players, what they have done, and how best to deal with them so it makes sense that collegiate players should learn how to best deal with their chair official. Since they usually get a different chair official for each of their matches they might need to understand some basic principles of working with a chair official. Here are some thoughts:
* Be polite.
* Don't tell the official that they are the "worst you have ever seen." Trust me, there are a lot worse ones out there somewhere.
* Don't ask us if we are blind. We got up into the chair on our own so that's a stupid thing to say.
* Don't be condescending when you ask questions or make comments. Flattery will get you everywhere but a condescending attitude will get you nowhere.
* Don't call us names when you are talking to your coach and saying it loud enough for us to hear. We actually do have ears.
* Don't yell "f__k" and then get mad when we code you. Your Mother should have corrected that behavior a long time ago and we are now the instrument of instruction in your life since she abdicated her responsibility.
* Don't spit at us or on us. You know where that will lead...
* Don't ever call a female official "fat". They may be true but they sure don't want to hear it from a 19 year old.
* Don't call a female official a "f__king bitch" and then expect no consequences. If you do, the wrath of God is probably about to descend on you.
* Don't smirk. A smart ass will never get the benefit of the doubt.
* Remember we are humans (just like most of you) and we can actually miss a call now and then.
* Keep in mind that we can have a bad day (and one made worse by your presence on our court) and know that days like that can produce unwelcome results in your life.
* Don't call on God or look to the heavens pleading for help when you get overruled. Jesus probably doesn't care about your match so help will not be on the way.
* Act like a responsible, respectful young adult and you will be treated in the same manner. Tennis is not a game of morons acting like morons so keep that in mind. You behavior and demeanor do matter.
Last year a player gathered up the loose balls and brought them to the chair official after the 3 hour match was completed. Wise young man...
3 comments:
I have done this the past few years for the local university at request of coach, in order to explain to the new players especially the rules and how they should handle the situation. Helps quite abit and makes officiating easier as the players know the rules ahead of time and should be fewer surprises.
Could this be printed, framed, and posted at the college tennis facilities in the Texas area?
This is awesome.
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