Racer Discussions with Race/Tech Officials

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Rusty Davenport

" The Finger" needs to be cut off the persons hand and shoved up his butt, that's the racer mentality that makes us all look like dumb asses. It should carry the same penalty as profanity. This is not a kids sport for "Finger Folks".......grow up and handle authority like a man.

Some of the comments here are off the charts.
Tech Officials here it from everyone, Why, Why, Why !!??
Can well understand them getting grumpy.

I Ref Soccer and run into all kinds of Spectators, Player, Coach issues.
Especially in a tight aggressive games.

Because of unhinged spectator anger and misunderstanding of the game.
All the Sports are having a hard time recruiting new Referees.
The older more experienced Refs are wearing out or dying off.
Bet NHRA is having a hard time with this too.

Competitive sports come with lots of super aggressive players.
It is what we do.

Games needs to be managed well.
I take 7-8 hours of classes a year studying and discussing the game.
Have to pass annual Certs with an 85% or better to meet grade level.
Rules change and have to learn their impact.

Before a game do a good bit of pregame study.
U14 to U21 all have different issues with fast moving action.

Before a game I have talks with the spectators and players.
They are given expectations.

Before the whistle, turn to the parents and say:
Your Teams are on the field GIVE IT UP .!
Same for second half but pit their Cheering against each other.

Have no problem confronting angry Spectators or Parents.
The conversation gives them choices.
Such as threatening them make them fill out a Referee Employment Application!

Mind you some NHRA Tech Officials need more Communication Skills.
NHRA can reduce the misunderstanding by doing a pregame plan.
Generally do a good job dealing with Racer Feedback.

However we can do a better job too.

Suggestion...never ask a WHY Question!

WHY !! Starts more fights and arguments than any other question.
It is lazy, condescending, accusatory.
WHY DID You do That ?? (Scream)

Most people asking WHY are not looking for an answer.
Instead seeking to validate anger or prejudice.

From Math and Science class, get stumped ask yourself why ?
Try to solve it, formulate questions from what you know.
Get a book, find an SME prepared with Who, what, when where, how ?

Avoid the WHY question you have a better experience.

and it is really hard to do !!

Dan