Quote:
Originally Posted by PayneTrain
I don't know what the conclusion would be, that's why there would be a discussion about it.
I have a lot of thoughts on the issue and a lot of issues in FRC but this may not be the thread or the right time in the FRC season to have a good discussion about it. I would hope that all key event personnel, already paid or serial volunteers hold themselves and each other accountable and are trained well, but multiple issues both publicly made known and behind the scenes would suggest that is not the case.
Also, FWIW, one of the best referees in professional sports, Ed Hoculi, has been a practicing attorney and an NFL Official for a quarter of a century. |
All NFL officials have other jobs, and they're probably the best-paid officials in the world (about $200k on average, I believe, for 5 months' work).
Just for reference: When I referee a kids' soccer game at the lowest competitive level, I get about $25-$30 on average for a 1-1.5 hour game. Those are all local, too - big tournaments (that I don't qualify for) pay for transportation.
I love volunteering for FIRST, but going way out of my way for it, spending vacation time and money? Not really. Especially as more places add districts, it's going to get more and more difficult to find enough qualified volunteers who are willing to take the time to do these things for free.