Question for Team Alumni who Volunteer

[Goldeye]

Thank you for the responses.
I am more concerned with any potential impropriety in a team providing support -- such a discounted hotel rooms -- to volunteers.
A team wouldn't want to be in a situation where someone is complaining "They helped the referee pay for a hotel room. That's unfair!"

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by Goldeye

Thank you for the responses.
I am more concerned with any potential impropriety in a team providing support -- such a discounted hotel rooms -- to volunteers.
A team wouldn't want to be in a situation where someone is complaining "They helped the referee pay for a hotel room. That's unfair!"

FIRST usually does not ask where you are staying, and assumes that your conflict of interest statement is true. Assuming that you do not let their decision to pay for your room tarnish your judgement on the field, it would be no issue.

[DCA Fan]

As a referee or scorekeeper, I have definitely called penalties against my own teams. If I feel that I may have a conflict of interest, I will remove myself from the match or have another official double check my score/call.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I usually travel with my team and I am a chaperone. The conflict of interest sheet you fill out makes it known what your team affiliation (if any) might be. For many of the usual volunteers, participants get to know your team affiliation very quickly. Off the top of your head do you know mine, Andy Baker's, Stu Bloom's, or Dave Lavery's? We don't have to wear the shirt to be recognized. That being said, we are also cognizant of the role we play and perceptions. As an inspector I will not inspect my own team or even those I feel are too close for me to be objective.

[Joohoo]

This was my FIRST time volunteering for a position at my regional where i had to fill out that conflict of interest waiver. For FLR where I volunteered I had to come in contact with my two teams many times.

I found the only time when I really had a hard time keeping neutral was when my team won a very hard fought match. Its so hard to keep from going crazy like the rest of the fans when the final scores go up.