Why do we referee?

[catwood1]

Maybe there are threads about this in the past, but I couldn't find one. If there is, just post a link and ill leave it alone.

Otherwise, just in sort of a vague general sense, I am wondering why we referee. I mean, I've been reffing about 2 years and would consider myself a fairly strong referee for how long I've been doing it. But especially lately, my drive to do it has been way down. And I'm just sorta wondering why we all do it. I can go out and have a good day reffing, and come home exhausted and tired and stressed. Or, I can have a bad day reffing, and come home exhausted, tired, stressed, and feeling like everyone thinks im absolutely incompetent.

We put ourselves in a situation where if we're great, no one really says anything, and if we make a few mistakes, everyone yells and screams. I know most adults aren't doing it for the money. Maybe to offset the price of fencing a bit, but that can't be the only reason. So just in a vague sense:

Why do we referee?

[seak]

a) because we're masochists

b) because we just love fencing, and this is another way to participate

c) because we love the challenge of getting it right

d) because we're poor grad students, and need to offset the cost of fencing

e) some combination or all of the above

[KD5MDK]

It's the only chance I have at the Olympics.

The respect from some pretty cool people is nice too. (That is, senior referees, coaches and fencers)

[fencerbill]

Because we think it is worthwhile to see that it is done as well as we can do it.

If we can do it well, it is worthwhile to do it.

We see it done not as well as we think we can do it.

Someone did it for us, so we have an obligation to do it for someone.

The circle doesn't close but it does go around and around.

[OROD]

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.

.

[SEM Fencer]

I started to referee because I opened my mouth to complain about the quality of referees in my division, particularly in ROW weapons. Then I had this highly noble idea that if I was going to complain about the problem, then I should do whatever I could to be part of the solution...

Now I do it because I really enjoy the long hours, low wages and the barrage of eastern European insults flung at the back of my head .

Seriously, though, I do appreciate the chance to learn from top referees, coaches and athletes while taking in some amazing fencing. It helps further my understanding of the sport, and my ability to teach it, as well.

[fencerbill]

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.

.

It's not a dirty job. It is a job to be proud of.

But it is a thankless job.

[FoilyDeath]

Cos otherwise we never get to fence.

[Agent_V]

It's not a dirty job. It is a job to be proud of.

But it is a thankless job.

The reward of being allowed to participate in interpreting - and thus indirectly enhancing - beautiful fencing often serves as the needed thanks. (Although when refereeing at a local collegiate meet such thanks are few and far between). Getting paid somewhat to do what I enjoy doesn't hurt either.

Alexander

[pinkelephant]

Because we think it is worthwhile to see that it is done as well as we can do it.

If we can do it well, it is worthwhile to do it.

We see it done not as well as we think we can do it.

Someone did it for us, so we have an obligation to do it for someone.

The circle doesn't close but it does go around and around.

What he said.

[Grasshopper]

The thrill of black carding someone is better than sex.

[edew]

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.

.

Heh, where were you this past weekend?

[OROD]

Heh, where were you this past weekend?

I try not to get my hands dirty.

.

[KD5MDK]

The thrill of black carding someone is better than sex.

Either your experience is different than most people, or I'm really worried at your relationship skills.

[IHateMrPotatohead]

I'm a pretty poor fencer, but a pretty good referee.....getting better all the time too.

The main reason I ref though, is because I love to watch fencing. As referee, I have the best seat in the house to do so.

[downunder]

Because I'm good at it, I enjoy it, and will go further as a referee than as a fencer.

[bbower]

Some people referee because it puts them in a position of power/importance and allows them to exert control over people. I have no doubt that this is near the top of the list of reasons for a great number of mediocre referees.

[oso97]

Some people referee because it puts them in a position of power/importance and allows them to exert control over people. I have no doubt that this is near the top of the list of reasons for a great number of mediocre referees.

I hear this a lot. As someone who has worked his way up the ranks, and interacted with a lot of referees, I think the number is FAR fewer than you think.

[HDG]

The thrill of black carding someone is better than sex.

I think you must be doing one of them wrong.

[DJ Apostrophe]

I think you must be doing at least one of them wrong.

I corrected your post.

-w