Parents who officiate

Minnesota Mike · #1 09-09-2008, 10:48 AM

So we have a thread about who's kids play what sports. I would like to hear from parents (or anyone else really) who has served as an official/ref/ump for youth sports.

The reason I ask is because the swim team that my kids all swim for is looking for parents to be swimming officials. I'm not really worried about the specifics of the particular sport. Mostly I'm concerned about dealing with parents and their complaints. (I used to coach swimming, but complaining parents is the main reason I stepped away from it.)

Don't hold back!

redskin_rich · #2 09-09-2008, 11:00 AM

All the parents have to work at some of the swim meets with our swim team. My wife has DQ'ed my oldest daughter's best friend every single time for using the wrong kick, while being the stroke and turn judge. Never had any problems with complaints but this is a neighborhood deal and more about fun than competition.

Now, there is no way I would want to be an official in my daughter's travel soccer leagues. They get ridiculously abused by some parents and sometimes the players and coaches, as well.

Fathead · #3 09-10-2008, 06:02 AM

I did a lot of soccer officiating a few years ago, I still occasionally help with local tournaments.

I can tell you that the reason I don't do it anymore is because of the abuse. Most parents think they know the rules more than the officials, and continually make themselves out to be fools.

I also had a coach take a swing at me when I was a linesman after I called the referee over for a conference. He had mistakenly called a goal when the ball had floated over the top of the goal. I got his attention, explained that it was a goal kick, not a goal, to which even the players on the team that had "scored" agreed to.
The coach was not so agreeable. He took a swing. Luckily for him, he missed. I took the opportunity, however, to put him face first into the ground. Unfortunately for him, he did it right in front of an off duty officer, who called an officer who was patrolling the area.

I told the officer I didn't want to press charges since the guy missed. He was permanently banned from coaching in the state of Idaho though. lol

Anyway, that is my officiating story. I liked helping the kids, and generally found officiating 12-14 year olds to be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, as they get older, it gets much less fun.

Keino · #4 09-10-2008, 09:53 AM

When I was in HS, we frequently had an Ump who's son and daughter went to our school. I hated pitching when he was our ump because he wouldn't give me anything close and he wouldn't give our hitters anything close either. It's like he went out of his way to show that he wasn't biased.

I wouldn't want to officiate anything my kids are involved in.

csquared · #5 09-10-2008, 11:07 AM

Ive umpired quite a bit over the years. Now though id much rather just coach. Parents and coaches disagreeing with you comes with the territory. I only had to throw out 1 parent and 1 coach over the years.

redskin_rich · #6 09-10-2008, 12:41 PM

BTW, I'll most certainly encourage my kids to officiate once they are old enough. It will be an invaluable experience for them to see it from another perspective and make a few bucks.

Keino · #7 09-12-2008, 01:27 PM

I umped a few little league games when I was in HS. It sucked because I was by myself, so I had to call Balls and Strikes from behind the mound.

I told both coaches before the game started......Tell your team that if it's close with 2 strikes they better swing the bat, or I will ring em up.

I blew some close calls in retorspect, one which prevented the game from going to extra innings......LMAO.

Minnesota Mike · #8 10-03-2008, 02:03 PM

Well, I'm going through with it - taking the plunge, so to speak The team my kids swim for needs to add a couple of poolside officials if they want to continue to host meets - which are a nice source of money for the club.

So I have to attend a 2-hour training session tomorrow morning and then pass an open book test. After that I have to shadow an already certified official for a few meets before I get certified.

Wish me luck.

The_Sonny_Of_Sammy · #9 10-07-2008, 05:42 PM

Because I am a Little League coach, the other coaches and I have to pull umpire duty (because most of the parents won't step up and help out). We have to ump' games for the teams we will eventually play later. Thankfully, me and most of the other coaches "get it" and would never cheat the kids. I love to be behind the plate and let me tell you, 10 and 11 year olds can make alot of calls very close.

Minnesota Mike · #10 10-15-2008, 04:54 PM

I went to the seminar and I took and passed the test. I have my first shadowing session in two weeks. I have to do 5 sessions before I am officially allowed to be on my own.