Working with entitled officials can be daunting- Opinion

Received this email with a question we've all faced!

Sarge, I hate working with entitled officials or as you say "Legacy refs", what is the deal with these guys and thoughts." (Permission to share, others need to hear it)

Working with entitled basketball officials can be a daunting experience, one that I personally find quite distasteful. This is not to undermine the crucial role they play in the game; rather, it's an objection to the attitude of entitlement that some officials tend to exhibit. Entitlement, in any field or profession, can be toxic, detrimental to team spirit, and obstructive to the overall growth and progress of the individuals involved.

In the realm of basketball officiating, striving for excellence is a principle that should be held high. Excellence is not just about knowing the rules; it is about interpreting and applying them in a fair and unbiased manner. It is about efficient communication, maintaining an open mind for learning and improvement, and above all, respecting the game, the players, and everyone involved in it.

This is why it becomes disheartening when certain officials act with a sense of entitlement, undermining this very essence of excellence. Entitlement can manifest in many forms. Some officials might use their positions to exercise undue authority, others may refuse to accept constructive criticism or feedback, considering themselves above mistakes or learning.

They may be prone to favoritism or bias, compromising the fairness of the game. This attitude not only tarnishes their professionalism but also impacts the dynamics of the game and the spirit of competition. When an official assumes that they know everything there is to know about the game and its rules, they close themselves off to learning and growth. This hampers their personal development and can lead to stagnation in their officiating skills.

Moreover, these officials often disregard the rules and regulations set forth by basketball governing bodies, asserting their own interpretation and application. This not only violates the sanctity of the rules but also creates an environment where bias and favoritism can thrive. In such instances, their actions are not driven by a commitment to fair play or striving for excellence in basketball officiating, rather they are dictated by personal egos and vested interests.

Striving for excellence in basketball officiating means acknowledging that there is always room for improvement and growth, no matter how experienced or knowledgeable one may be. Moreover, this sense of entitlement can create an unhealthy working environment. It can lead to tension and discord among the team of officials, hampering their ability to work together effectively. This can have direct implications on their performance during games, leading to potential misjudgments or errors.

I strongly believe that humility, respect for others, and willingness to learn and improve are integral parts of striving for excellence in basketball officiating. An entitled attitude stands as a stark contradiction to these values. It obstructs the path to excellence and undermines the integrity of the profession.

In conclusion, while I detest working with entitled basketball officials, I do not let this deter me from my commitment to excellence in officiating. Instead, it reinforces my resolve to uphold the values of fairness, integrity, continuous learning, and respect in my practice. Striving for excellence in basketball officiating is a continuous journey - one that demands humility over entitlement.