Officiating

[Throwbackjack]

I know there is a shortage of people willing to officiate games in Delaware and should be grateful that we even have officials, however, it is amazing how poorly games are being officiated and a minimum level competency seems to be nowhere to be found. It is rare that I walk away from a Delaware HS game and say "I barely noticed" the officials in that game. That is the way it should be the majority of the time and I can't remember the last time I felt like that.

It also strikes me that it appears that the average age of an official here seems to be at least 60 and most of these guys have trouble getting up and down the field and seem to be out of position a lot. It's just a shame because I frequently find myself leaving games saying that game was not decided by the kids on the field. From what I have been seeing, there is no advantage given to either team, rather, the bad calls/no calls apply equally to both teams and seem to impact results on a weekly basis. To that I say, maybe they should put the whistle's away, except for the most egregious calls, and let the kids decide the games.

There has to be something the DIAA can do (like increased pay and better training) to lure more qualified officials (and maybe younger ones too). I may be barking up the wrong tree here, but I have friends and family in PA, NY, NJ and the midwest who don't seem to have the same problems there.

 

[ReturnOfTheGate]

TBJ, I think your concern is well-meaning, but as someone who's covered high school sports for over a decade (here and in the DMV), I can see why a lot of refs, young and old, are getting out or don't want to be bothered. I've seen verbally abusive behavior and sometimes beyond from coaches, players, parents, students, fans and who really wants to put up with that for gas money?

Most of these refs have day jobs and other obligations, so while they don't always get the call right, it's rare there's any malice or ill intent behind it. If they were paid well and had comprehensive training, then things would be different.

 

[Titanium Shadow]

If I get a chance when I'm at a game, I make sure to thank the Refs for their work. They always seem to appreciate it. A little kindness goes a long way.

 

[Throwbackjack]

TBJ, I think your concern is well-meaning, but as someone who's covered high school sports for over a decade (here and in the DMV), I can see why a lot of refs, young and old, are getting out or don't want to be bothered. I've seen verbally abusive behavior and sometimes beyond from coaches, players, parents, students, fans and who really wants to put up with that for gas money?

Most of these refs have day jobs and other obligations, so while they don't always get the call right, it's rare there's any malice or ill intent behind it. If they were paid well and had comprehensive training, then things would be different.

Point well taken and appreciate your point of view. Fully understand that refs are getting out of game and no way advocating abusive behavior toward officials (unequivocally, there is no place for abuse). Also, not saying any malice, or ill intent by officials. However, there should be a minimum degree of proficiency and there seems to be an overall lack of it. I am not going to detail what I have seen as I think it is counter-productive, just saying it is better for refs to be more hands-off rather than calling 10 penalties against both teams in the first quarter alone when they don't seem to know the rules of the game or don't seem to have the physical ability to keep up with the game. IE: an official should not be making a call from 50 yards away when the official next to play does not make a call at all.

 

[Huskerman7]

It’s HS football, not the end-all for anyone involved. Refs are calling it as they see it.

The constant haranguing from fans and coaches (and players for that matter) is why younger guys and gals aren’t signing up.

Enjoy the games & live with the calls.

 

[DoItWrite]

I had a guy come up to me at a volleyball match last week to tell me the real story this season was how bad the officials were and that they were deciding outcomes. I politely suggested he put on the white shirt, climb up the stand and show everyone how it's done.

Call (302) 857-3365 to find out how you can become a high school sports official.

 

[FanOfTheGame51]

I hate the narrative that if you don't like it then be a ref. If we can be critical of coaches and their decision making, players and their production, schools and their standards, then surely the refs can be held to a standard. In what world would it be ok not to hold them to a standard when they have a direct effect on the game. Their job is to enforce the rules and do that efficiently and I'm lost as to why that can't be asked for. They are being paid to do this very thing. Compensation that they agreed to. If they are lacking then that is what it is. Overall DIAA football refs are lacking and that needs to be dealt with in some way. What that is I'm not sure, but I don't get paid to do that so somebody smarter than me can handle that. But if we are yelling for coaches to be fired or suggest that a school move in a different direction for whatever reason, we surely can say refs need to be better. If it were not the case then the complaints would not be so prevalent.

 

[Confucious01]

Point well taken and appreciate your point of view. Fully understand that refs are getting out of game and no way advocating abusive behavior toward officials (unequivocally, there is no place for abuse). Also, not saying any malice, or ill intent by officials. However, there should be a minimum degree of proficiency and there seems to be an overall lack of it. I am not going to detail what I have seen as I think it is counter-productive, just saying it is better for refs to be more hands-off rather than calling 10 penalties against both teams in the first quarter alone when they don't seem to know the rules of the game or don't seem to have the physical ability to keep up with the game. IE: an official should not be making a call from 50 yards away when the official next to play does not make a call at all.

What you actually find are the people criticizing the officials really do know or understand the rules. They are a lot different from what you see on Saturday and Sundays. It is a huge amount of training that is put into what officials do. Also as you said before there is a shortage and they probable could use you, your youth, and knowledge.