If you are going to Summer Nationals (in any capacity), please read this.

[Mauler]

Dear fencers & families and friends of fencing,

It's that time of the year again, where all of us gather around for the big circus that is Summer Nationals. Everyone has worked hard, invested so much, and we bring in so much hope into one spot.

PLEASE keep referees in your hearts.

They've been standing there all day, all week, from sunrise to closing times. They've slept on the floor of airport gate to save you dollars. They haven't been getting paid for up to a year. They've been slapped around so many times they have no cheeks left. They're fed crackers for breakfast, told to suck it up when they can't make it to lunch, and they're given a hot dog and a drink when they work until (sometimes past) midnight. They're abused by professionals, and they're neglected by their leadership. They're given no reward for their devotion, and they're punished for trying.

Yet they come back for more.

They are fellow fencers. They are coaches. They are parents. They are there to support you. They are there to advance your learning. They are there to serve. They are there for each other.

So if there is anything you can think of in order to make their day go easier. Anything at all. PLEASE consider making it happen. Just one more, "Thank you." A bottle of cold water or Gatorade. A stack of paper towel on the scoring table as you pass by.

Send a round of drinks to a table if you recognize them. If you see them at an elevator, point and shout, "Whoa, you're the ref who made that good call yesterday!?!"

They will remember you for life.

Human being to human being. What can you do for them?

[RITFencing]

He's right, folks. It's a dirty job, and we are constantly losing referees for various reasons.

If you want decent refs available in the years to continue, please make them feel appreciated now. Otherwise you're going to constantly have people who are unprepared for the level of fencing because so many people who have reffed for a while get really fed up with the situation.

[piste off]

Both of you will have the opportunity to be fed up on Thursday.

It's take a ref to dinner day (and yes, I'll pay for it, but there has to be some restrictions placed on Mauler from what I hear).

Others please do the same... the refs deserve it.

R-

[Mauler]

No, no. Not us. The refs, please.

[Inquartata]

I intend to go about kicking referees in the seats of their pants! Just to be contrary!

[MyrddinsPrecint]

I intend to go about kicking referees in the seats of their pants! Just to be contrary!

Which might earn you a kick on the other side....

On that topic, ask Meehan to tell you the Russian Joke.

[whtouche]

I personally am not going to nationals this year primarily because in order to afford it I would have to referee 8 days, which is not really worth it for me.

I'm not "retiring" as a referee by any means, but I just don't need to put up with the **** that we as referees have to put up with for a week and a half. So yeah, treat your referees nicely. Speaking for just myself, I am perfectly happy to serve as a referee to the best of my ability, to even be exceedingly friendly and courteous (and generally efficient) while I do it. But I won't take your ****, so don't try it.

[RITFencing]

Both of you will have the opportunity to be fed up on Thursday.

It's take a ref to dinner day (and yes, I'll pay for it, but there has to be some restrictions placed on Mauler from what I hear).

Others please do the same... the refs deserve it.

R-

Neither of us are reffing this year, Rick.

Of course, if you want to buy me dinner, who am I to say no?

[Mauler]

To everyone who went to referees and offered them cold water. To everyone who gave referees a heartfelt, "Thank you for doing this." To everyone who gave referees one more break.

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

[Inquartata]

On that topic, ask Meehan to tell you the Russian Joke.

Er---is this like asking what is the capitol of Thailand?

[downunder]

er---is this like asking what is the capitol of thailand?

กรุงเทพมหานคร ?

[varshak]

Jay,

Thank you for not only posting this, but also to put your money where your mouth is and pass out bottles of water. It was much appreciated in the middle of youth foil pool I was ref'ing and couldn't slip away to refill my bottle.

Thank you.

[Inquartata]

On that topic, ask Meehan to tell you the Russian Joke.

Justin demanded to know who told me to ask him. He did not seem pleased.

[Mauler]

I handed out whatever I could afford to get on a coach's income. And made aware as many refs as I could that they were appreciated. I was really grateful to hear that there were others doing the same. I had to fly back Tue for work, but I'm hoping others will pick up where I left off.

[MyrddinsPrecint]

Justin demanded to know who told me to ask him. He did not seem pleased.

Did you tell him it was me? I always brighten his day. : D

[Inquartata]

I didn't, since I don't know your actual identity, and I don't think your f.net handle would ring any bells for him.

Plus, I didn't want to get you into any trouble or anything...

[MyrddinsPrecint]

I didn't, since I don't know your actual identity, and I don't think your f.net handle would ring any bells for him.

Plus, I didn't want to get you into any trouble or anything...

Pshaw, like there wasn't anyone to ask. You also know a few things about me-- ie, recent Smith grad loosely affiliated with PdF but not living up there anymore-- that would have quickly gotten him to figure out. There aren't that many of us. And I'm the only one who would mention the Russian Joke.

Me? Get in trouble with Justin? .... I wouldn't risk that.

[catwood1]

I handed out whatever I could afford to get on a coach's income. And made aware as many refs as I could that they were appreciated. I was really grateful to hear that there were others doing the same. I had to fly back Tue for work, but I'm hoping others will pick up where I left off.

And it was greatly appreciated.

[Inquartata]

I'm the only one who would mention the Russian Joke.

Are you quite sure? He was naming names, most of which I didn't know, most of them male...

Me? Get in trouble with Justin? .... I wouldn't risk that.

I dunno, he didn't seem too happy.

[MyrddinsPrecint]

Are you quite sure? He was naming names, most of which I didn't know, most of them male...

I meant I'm probably the only Smithie he knows who would mention it.

.... I don't necessarily mean he would tell you the Russian joke. Only that he wouldn't be as unhappy, and would perhaps instead be confused or curious.