April 15, 2022
April 15, 2022
The article by Global Sport Matters linked here is yet another one dealing with the shortage in people who are willing to serve as officials at youth contests. This shortage has led to contests being canceled or under-officiated. There are multiple reasons for the shortage and the article does a good job of exploring some those reasons and some possible responses.
The article also mentions the possible move that the Minnesota legislature is considering that I posted a little while back. Feel free to go back and have a look at that.
One of the questions I first asked when I was contemplating the move to become a swim meeting official was the question “Will I have to deal with parents?” And since I was told I would not, I move forward with it. I can say in my decade plus on deck, I was never once confronted by an angry parent. I did have a few conversations with some coaches after issuing DQs to swimmers. Most of them were pretty understanding and hoped to use the experience as a teaching moment for their swimmer.
Personally, my favorite exchange with a coach, after I had DQ’ed a swimmer went like this. Coach – I know why you DQ’ed him. He does that all time in practice. I’m not here to argue with you. But I told his parents that I would talk to the officials, so that’s all I’m doing. Just look at me sternly and shake your head “No” and I’ll go back and tell them I tried, but you were certain.”