Re: Why is anyone surprised at ref problems?

[Swan217]

For ease of discussion:

There are like 3 or 4 different threads right now all about refs, bad calls, consistency and other stuff.
There's a lot of angry people, some venting, some with good points, and some with suggestions. I've
been one of those who says "they're volunteers, if you think it's so easy, then volunteer to ref or offer
suggestions to make it better?"

But not anymore, at least not now, since some posts a couple weeks ago changed that. So to those who say "offer
suggestions or volunteer yourself", I say nothing can be fixed or improved unless those in charge agree, and
right now that is not the case. In one of the threads after week 1, a mentor offered some constructive
criticism about the referee system and ways it could be improved. I didn't think her comments were at all
out of line, insulting or anything like that. I agreed with some of what she said and didn't agree
with some. In my 3 years in FIRST, this thread had by far the post thats bothered me the most that I've
ever read here on Chief Delphi, but it wasn't hers. Her requests and suggestions to improve officiating
were quickly met by a response which basically insulted her, telling her to stop whining and more. Who made
the post? An upset mentor, an immature student, a poor sport parent? nope, not even close. It was the
National Head Ref and a GDC member who replied to her and proceeded to insult, demean and dismiss the views
that mentor expressed. He was insulting, he was condescending, and worst of all he showed that he
did not want to hear ANY questioning of referees or things that should be improved. His replies were
totally ungracious, completely unprofessional and in my eyes a complete embarrassment to the people in
FIRST so many of us look up to, respect and listen to like Dean, Woody and Dave. If these comments were
made by a student they probably wouldn't have bothered me that much. But the National Head
Ref? Someone on the GDC? Someone who's supposed to set an example to the students in FIRST? I think the
refs do a pretty good job, but I also know there are some problems with consistency, how rules are enforced
and the game knowledge of different refs - all things which should be gradually improved where possible and
which would make FIRST competitions even better. But what did his post tell us? It says that there is ZERO
hope of any issues with the referee system improving much at any time in the near future, since you can't
improve or fix a problem if you are completely incapable of seeing it, admitting it, acknowledging it
or having any desire to fix it. My point is, why is everyone surprised that 2 weeks later consistency and
rule enforcement problems have gotten worse, not better? If the person in charge doesn't want to see
problems, can't take input or constructive criticism and insults team members, then why did anyone think
things would get any better after week 1.

This post has bothered me for a week or two now. I was also troubled that the moderators
on Chief Delphi removed his posts. Shouldn't people have to stand by their words and posts, unless they
are vulgar? I can only guess the posts were removed to protect that individual and because they were an
embarrassment to FIRST and the GDC. But shouldn't being accountable for your actions and words be a
value that the community (FIRST and Chief Delphi) should embrace instead of sweeping under the carpet by
trying to hide/protect someone just because they are involved in the management of FIRST? I think a lot of
people on here, especially with all the current threads, deserve to read what the head ref said.

Why wouldn't I want to post under my normal screen name? Because the posts of that ref raise some
character concerns to me that there could be retaliation against our team for airing these views.
We play next week and still hope to maybe play in Atlanta, so I don't want to put my students at risk
for any retribution.

This has nothing to do with the person who made those posts. It has to do with the position he holds. We have
the right to discuss public comments and views posted by a person in a decision making position. I have no desire
to criticze that person, but I do think we have the right to question and discuss public comments made by such
an important position.