Oh, how I hate that phrase
I hear this phrase a lot: "The best reffed game is the one where the ref is never noticed." Arrrrrgh! That phrase is so very very very wrong. You don't hear it as much when it comes to experienced referees, but I still hear it a lot when it comes to new refs, be it soccer or roller derby (especially roller derby, because that sport is so young).
The refs job is simple: make the correct call, full stop. Sometimes that correct call will elicit boos and complaints from the fans or players and thrust the ref into the spotlight; that does not make the call any less correct.
That does not mean that a referee should attempt to draw attention to him or herself. But if you make that call, and it's right, and you stay professional throughout the entire process, then you just reffed a good game and maybe got some unwanted attention. That doesn't make your game any less good than any other. OK? So stop saying that, starting.... now.
08 April '11 - 17:45 - - | - § ¶
You know, I like technology, but...
Gaaa! You'd think with the ever-increasing registration fees (I'm going by memory on the amount I paid when I started, but if I'm right, it's risen over 65%) our SRC would get a decent ISP. Last year everyone was required to take their test online - that's all fine and good; it gets rid of an administrative headache and wasted time at the clinic. This year they got a much better software package this year, that lets you go back and review your answers before making them final (something I've done in all my online tests except last year's ref recert). So far, so good - no issues. But there's also a number of required online training sessions/classes you have to take before the clinic, too. Again, I can see the good ideas behind it. The prob.... buffering... lem is... buffering buffering buffering that I don't think this was tested for online practicality.
In addition to the problem that streaming video that buffers for instruction, it makes it even worse when it's part of the testing procedure for these classes. Buffering notwithstanding (which drove me up the freakin' wall and probably doubled the estimated time it took for me to go through the "session"), it makes it even worse when the video is then too small to view the details on which you must base your answer. I know 22 and 24-inch screens (and larger) are all the rage among people who have the extra funds for those sorts of things, but I don't have it. If the image is too small for me to see a players leg, how the hell am I supposed to judge if the spikes are up or not???
Sheesh.
The sad thing was I ended up skipping some sessions I would have liked to take, except I knew I'd have to deal with those issues again, and wouldn't learn anything due to the frustration. Lost opportunities.
06 April '11 - 09:34 - - | - § ¶
