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Hello all,
This is my first post on the forum, although I have been reading for quite some time . . .
I feel that I need to weigh in on this topic. For the sake of context allow me to first say, I have been playing paintball for several years ("speedball" & "scenario") and have refereed several games. It has been my pleasure and shock to observe paintball players from many perspectives. Referees are a necessary part of the sport - or any competitive sport. There will always be situations where imperfect people (all of us) will loose tempers / perspectives or not know (or even care) about the rules. For the sake of fairness and objectivity someone has to enforce safety and the rules.
Referees should be professional, objective extensions of the field, the game and the rules. They should NEVER allow their own biases to interfere with their job - regardless of personal relationships. They should have full knowledge of the rules, the savy to not get fooled by players' B.S., and confidence in themselves to represent the sport / event. Anything less than that is a poor choice in a paintball referee.
However, once a referee makes a call players need to have the personal integrity to follow that call or contest it to the ultimate referee for that event in a professional manner - i.e. without any immature whining. Anything less that is a poor choice in a paintball player.
EVERYONE makes mistakes from time to time. It is human nature for us all (refs, players, spectators, etc. . . ). The only response is to give appropriately timed, constructive criticism followed by enough maturity to demonstrate grace to the one who made the mistake. Anything less is a poor choice in a human being.
I have refereed with the Discipline Lords before - I am an honorary member (since I am already the Team Captain of my own team). They are one of the FEW Scenario referee teams out there. We should all be thankful of their gift and dedication to the sport we love. We are ALL responsible for reading, understanding and following the rules. Those who can't need to stay at home and play video games. Maybe they would have better luck with Gregg Hasting's Paintball than in a real live competitive sport involving honor and integrity . . .
If I have offended someone out there with my post . . . GOOD. Anyone who gets offended by it needs to be offended and use the experience to grow up and check themselves. This is MY SPORT and I will defend it till I die.
[/rant]
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