Except that when I advised her the state administrator said I'm clear to ref, she changed her tune and said I don't have to give you a reason for not using you. FWIW, the pending suspension status IS getting fixed this week. I'm not saying other refs are greasing her. What I'm saying is that she's excluding ME because I didn't continue paying a $5K/yr premium to her husbands firm. No, I don't believe I have a "right" to anything. I'm all about merit based assignments. I'd just like her to tell me with a straight face that I'm not qualified/competent/capable and/or haven't done a good job. She can't.
Oh, I get plenty of assignments from other assignors. Just got 11 yesterday from one assignor for the upcoming fall. That's not the issue. The issue is that the conferences/schools she assigns are practically in my backyard. There must be at least 25-30 of her schools within 15 minutes or so of me. Given my professional obligations, proximity is a PRIMARY concern.
If you know anyone currently working for her see if they are willing to risk asking about you and why they haven't seen you at any fields lately. Short of that I stick with my suggestion to get your ref friends to informally boycott her and put her in a tough spot if you find out that she is playing dirty.
"No, I don't believe I have a "right" to anything. I'm all about merit based assignments. I'd just like her to tell me with a straight face that I'm not qualified/competent/capable and/or haven't done a good job. She can't. " If she told you it was because you dropped your coverage, would it make a difference? Cheers, Mi3ke
As frustrating as it may be, an assignor has no obligation to give any individual referee any game assignments. Their task is to put competent (hopefully) referees on each game. No more, no less. Fairness to any single referee is not required. She doesn't like you, you don't get games. The local schools may be missing out on a highly competent referee, but they are getting their games covered so they probably don't care that much (if they even know). As long as she is the assignor and can find sufficient referees, you're likely screwed. Good thing you have other games to call.
Too bad this isn't under USSF: http://www.illinoissoccerrefereecommittee.org/site/epage/83849_849.htm Illinois Assignor Code of Ethics: Assignor ASSIGNOR CODE OF ETHICS I will maintain the utmost respect for referees and other officials of the game and I will conduct myself honorably at all times. I will make the assignments based on what is good for the game and what is good for the referee. As a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, my actions will reflect credit upon the organization. I will contribute to the continuous development of referees in the National Referee Development Program. I will conduct myself ethically and professionally in the assignment process. I will respect the rights and dignity of all the referees and I will not criticize them unless it is in private, constructive, and for their benefit. I will offer equal opportunity to all quality referees and I will not discriminate against or take undue advantage of any individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. I will cooperate fully in the timely resolution of any grievance hearing or complaint. I consider it a privilege to be a part of the U.S. Soccer Federation and my actions will reflect credit upon that organization or its affiliates. I will safeguard the confidentiality of the U.S. Soccer registered referee list. I will give priority to U.S. Soccer affiliated games when assigning games. The use of U.S. Soccer affiliated game assignments shall not be used to persuade U.S. Soccer registered referees to accept game assignments for non-members of U.S. Soccer.
That only matters if the person that assigns has principles. There are assignors working for the USSF that play favorites and do not adhere to the stated purposes of being honorable in the execution of their duties.
Sorry to hijack your thread aek, but this blows my mind. Is this commonplace in refereeing circles? Except for certain large tournaments (where assignment was done based on USSF rank and/or verbal references) I have always known and been known by my assignors. If they were not one of my assessors, they were at least in the circle of assessors (or reviewers as my NFHS association calls them). Do I live in a small pond? Near Tallahassee? (just a guess)
Sorry to be blunt - There is clearly a reason she is not using you on her high school games, you just don't know it. She is completely justified in making that choice whatever it is. You can't force her to use you for games - legal action, walk-outs, higher ups. It seems like this might be a part of refereeing that your not destined to participate in? I know for me - if someone really doesn't want me, I feel like it's probably for the best that I don't try and push my way in.
Not sure what you're apologizing about.... So how would YOU know that? Really? Do tell. Never said I could force her to do ANYTHING. What part? And why? I'm already getting a ton of games from three other assignors spread across two states. p.s. you're is a contraction. I know for me - if someone really doesn't want me, I feel like it's probably for the best that I don't try and push my way in.[/QUOTE]
aek wrote - What part? And why? I'm already getting a ton of games from three other assignors spread across two states. This began as a good discussion about what can be done in such a situation. However your response to posts seem to be more smug than thoughtful which leaves me to wonder about the the change in direction of this thread? I ask because I have to wonder what the point is of continuing to fan the flames if you are already "getting a ton of games from three other assignors". Just thinking out loud.
Well, primarily b/c the games/schools/conferences THIS assignor has are practically in my backyard....I stated that earlier in the thread. Given my professional and personal obligations, proximity is a HUGE factor, especially on weekdays. High school games in my parts start at around 4:30 p.m. I've had to already turn back two hs games this spring at the virtual 11th hour b/c unexpected work commitments may have precluded me from arriving on time. With THIS assignors schools/games/conferences, it would NOT have been an issue as at least 25-30 of her schools are no more than 15 minutes from me.
NO...its NOT. Every single one of my other assignors live in relatively close proximity to the games they assign....except for her.
No one in this discussion will give you the answers that you want. Just ref the other games you have - you're obviously spending a ton of time thinking about this since you reply to every post trying to plead your case. Let it go. You can't make assignors use you.
There IS no answer I want...I simply asked for suggestions. Nonetheless, you haven't answered the questions I asked. Your initial post in this thread implied you had some info others, including myself, weren't privy to. Do share. If you would have bothered to read my earlier posts, you would have seen I stated I basically gave up on her giving me games. Nonetheless, since this IS a referees forum, and since we should theoretically be looking out for each other, I thought it would be a good idea to post and discuss, especially regarding something which may be occurring in other parts of the US to other people as well.......and which is patently unfair. If you do not wish to partake in the discussion, you can simply ignore it. If you have nothing constructive to add, I would respectfully request that you abstain from further contribution.
I was in a similar situation. The only assignments I could get from the long entrenched assignor was JV girls duals. And even then it was when one of his regular cronies turned it back. But I was not alone. All of the USSF-badged referees were getting the short end of it in favor of his buddies. Ultimately, the schools were not being well served. The schools eventually got annoyed with the the quality of the officiating and we were able to convince a USSF assignor from the next district over to bid for the contract. For $10 more per game he promised three officials and DSC for all varsity and JV matches. He guaranteed that each official would take a physical fitness test and pass the law test. Two years on, the schools and all participants are much happier. If your assignor is really off in Florida, and if she is not using the best refs available, then I would think her contract is vulnerable. Maybe the neighboring assignors would be interested in expanding. Talk to the coaches and ADs, see if they are content.
I have to say that I am sadden to read posts like this. Isn't the point that assignors should be unbiased. Has our society eroded to such depths that everyone is cynical and does not feel outrage and injustice when individuals that are supposed to be unbiased play favorites and act in an unprofessional manner?
This series of posts makes me want to send thank you cards to my primary club and HS assignors, whether it's because there are more games than refs or they're just fair, they don't generally play favorites or politics. And I've never heard them give as reasoning "I don't have to assign you blah blah". HS soccer (generally, at least around these parts) is still a bunch of little fiefdoms and the states aren't on top of it like SRA's can be with club assignors. I've seen our SRA throw the hammer on an unsuspecting club assignor that tried to play god with games. aek, I understand your frustration. Especially since (even if it's not) it looks like it's retribution, which is just not right.
I think everyone sympathizes with aek and certainly it bothers me that somebody would pull this kind of crap on anyone. There have been a few suggestions which aek has either already tried or doesn't think will work. Short of that, what are we (or aek, for that matter) supposed to do? Unless there is a higher authority he can appeal to, it sucks but seems like a dead end. The assignor is a jerk and apparently nursing a personal grudge, but what can you do? nylaw5 is being realistic. Sometimes life is like that, unfortunately. My suggestion would be to take it straight to the schools. Call up their ADs (or whoever hired this assignor halfway across the country), tell them your qualifications and that you'd love to come officiate there, and if they'd ask the assignor to schedule you there. They are the only ones who have any say over the assignor, since they hired her.