Author Topic: TASO Policy Question  (Read 11280 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline centexsports

  • *
  • Posts: 233
  • FAN REACTION: +6/-9
TASO Policy Question
« on: July 10, 2017, 03:18:26 PM »
I have been looking for the TASO policy that states that it is unacceptable to contact a coach prior to a Friday game to get information such as: Game Administrator, parking, dressing room location, game time, etc.   Anybody know where it is?   I will call TASO if I need to but I thought someone might know.
« Last Edit: July 10, 2017, 03:20:07 PM by centexsports »

Offline ess1970

  • *
  • Posts: 5
  • FAN REACTION: +0/-1
  • Without officials... it is only recess.
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2017, 04:30:43 PM »
I believe they are using that as an example of the Solicitation Policy.

http://taso.org/data/page/200/Solicitation%20Policy%204-2017.pdf

Offline Etref

  • Administrator
  • ***
  • Posts: 2284
  • FAN REACTION: +85/-28
  • " I don't make the rules coach!"
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2017, 05:55:53 PM »
That should not be prohibited!
" I don't make the rules coach!"

Offline TexDoc

  • *
  • Posts: 1861
  • FAN REACTION: +98/-26
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2017, 07:49:27 AM »
TASO should probably clarify this as being allowed or not.  The two chapters I've worked in have different views on this, one saying it is not allowed because of the appearance of possible solicitation, and the other asks that you confirm details of the game with at least the home coach.  Then again, if a chapter does not have coaches selections, solicitation would not be an issue.  I think it is just being courteous to contact the home team coach just to confirm details.  How could that be seen as soliciting a game?

Offline Rulesman

  • Past Keeper of the Keys
  • Refstripes Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 3839
  • FAN REACTION: +65535/-2
  • Live like tomorrow never comes.
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2017, 08:02:15 AM »
I think it is just being courteous to contact the home team coach just to confirm details.  How could that be seen as soliciting a game?
Micro management. Or paranoia. Pick your poison.
"Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process we will catch excellence. I am not remotely interested in just being good."
- Vince Lombardi

Offline centexsports

  • *
  • Posts: 233
  • FAN REACTION: +6/-9
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2017, 08:27:46 AM »
Without giving an answer to the TASO test, let me just say that the answer is very clear that what I asked is not acceptable.

Offline Getting Fat

  • *
  • Posts: 192
  • FAN REACTION: +5/-6
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2017, 09:47:58 AM »
TASO should probably clarify this as being allowed or not.  The two chapters I've worked in have different views on this, one saying it is not allowed because of the appearance of possible solicitation, and the other asks that you confirm details of the game with at least the home coach.  Then again, if a chapter does not have coaches selections, solicitation would not be an issue.  I think it is just being courteous to contact the home team coach just to confirm details.  How could that be seen as soliciting a game?

I think that if you communicate before the game like this, you should probably at least "cc" the visiting team coach.

My comment obviously assumes that pregame contact is acceptable. It is. If it's not, the schools should provide a pregame contact person.

Offline TexDoc

  • *
  • Posts: 1861
  • FAN REACTION: +98/-26
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2017, 10:09:37 AM »
If confirming details of a game, especially a playoff game at a neutral site, is not allowed by contacting a coach, schools need to define a contact person not associated directly with the team.  I'm very sure many R's contact coaches before games to confirm details.

Offline Etref

  • Administrator
  • ***
  • Posts: 2284
  • FAN REACTION: +85/-28
  • " I don't make the rules coach!"
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2017, 01:03:12 PM »
Or how about the call to the coach,
" we are running late because of (pick a reason). Just wanted you to be aware, we will be there and ready by game time!
" I don't make the rules coach!"

Offline Legacy Zebra

  • *
  • Posts: 953
  • FAN REACTION: +52/-9
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #9 on: July 11, 2017, 08:02:41 PM »
So you're telling me that asking for information about a game that I've already been assigned like where to park and confirming kickoff time, is somehow the same as soliciting future assignments?  pi1eOn  hEaDbAnG

 :sTiR: :sTiR: Of course, if coaches didn't have any input in assignments, this wouldn't be an issue... :sTiR: :sTiR:





Offline JasonTX

  • *
  • Posts: 2905
  • FAN REACTION: +112/-58
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #10 on: July 11, 2017, 08:03:11 PM »
We tell our guys to contact the assignor if they need to know that information.  The game time is already known as per the schedule.  The administrator we find out when we get to the game site.  I can see where parking and dressing may be an issue if it's a place you never been, but we just wing it.  Get there early and drive around until we find someone that looks like they have a clue.  ;D

Offline TexDoc

  • *
  • Posts: 1861
  • FAN REACTION: +98/-26
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #11 on: July 11, 2017, 08:45:04 PM »
We tell our guys to contact the assignor if they need to know that information.  The game time is already known as per the schedule.  The administrator we find out when we get to the game site.  I can see where parking and dressing may be an issue if it's a place you never been, but we just wing it.  Get there early and drive around until we find someone that looks like they have a clue.  ;D

In smaller chapters that might work very well.  But in chapters that are covering 60 to 100+ varsity games a week, it just isn't possible. 

I really don't see why a quick phone call or email to a coach to confirm details is in any way solicitation.  You aren't asking for a game, you're taking a profession approach to servicing your customer, IMHO.  We need to quit being so darned paranoid. 

Offline Joe Stack

  • *
  • Posts: 635
  • FAN REACTION: +33/-46
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #12 on: July 12, 2017, 12:01:51 AM »
I agree with Jason. Sorry, Doc, but it IS possible in chapters large and small. I always go to both school's websites to confirm the game and time. If there is something that doesn't jive, I get in touch with the secretary. If you want to find out where to dress, there is always an official who worked that school last week or last year so call them. I've found that schools, especially smaller ones, often change the location of our locker room. It varies by school, but 75% of the time, someone is there on site to lead us to the right place when we arrive. In the end, it is sometimes a hassle to get everyone to the right place if we didn't all arrive at the same time, but sooner or later we get in, get dressed, and then go out and go to work.

Have you ever missed a game or been substantially late due to the fact that you couldn't figure out where to dress?

I think the better idea is to get the chapter on board to file a report every time there isn't a game administrator there to meet you (or in the area somewhere). Put UIL to task on something they supposedly require.

Offline TexDoc

  • *
  • Posts: 1861
  • FAN REACTION: +98/-26
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #13 on: July 12, 2017, 06:17:04 AM »
I agree with Jason. Sorry, Doc, but it IS possible in chapters large and small. I always go to both school's websites to confirm the game and time. If there is something that doesn't jive, I get in touch with the secretary. If you want to find out where to dress, there is always an official who worked that school last week or last year so call them. I've found that schools, especially smaller ones, often change the location of our locker room. It varies by school, but 75% of the time, someone is there on site to lead us to the right place when we arrive. In the end, it is sometimes a hassle to get everyone to the right place if we didn't all arrive at the same time, but sooner or later we get in, get dressed, and then go out and go to work.

Have you ever missed a game or been substantially late due to the fact that you couldn't figure out where to dress?

I think the better idea is to get the chapter on board to file a report every time there isn't a game administrator there to meet you (or in the area somewhere). Put UIL to task on something they supposedly require.


Secretaries are typically clueless about details and I know very few athletic departments that have a secretary.  I think you hit on the problem when you say "figure out where to dress."  Why would you even let your crew worry about that when a simple email would answer that question, and where to park, letting the coach know you will be there, etc, etc.  The real crux of the issue that needs to be answered is, how can contacting a coach or athletic director to confirm details of a game be considered solicitation?  That's what we need an answer to. 

Seriously, how many of us go to church with coaches and their families, see them in the grocery store, see them at other athletic events, see them at other meetings, or see them in any other public setting outside of the stadium?  Are you not supposed to talk about football with them?  Come on.  That's just not realistic.

Offline TexDoc

  • *
  • Posts: 1861
  • FAN REACTION: +98/-26
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #14 on: July 12, 2017, 06:21:11 AM »
This is part of the solicitation policy.  One could argue that if the contact was for any other purpose than what's listed below, the contact is not solicitation.  But, this does seem to contradict the first paragraph in a way.

An individual member SHALL NOT:

1. Influence, request or communicate, directly or indirectly, with a coach, athletic director, assigning authority or
an athletic governing body to enhance the opportunity for ones’ assignments in contest which are assigned by
any TASO Chapter

Offline Getting Fat

  • *
  • Posts: 192
  • FAN REACTION: +5/-6
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #15 on: July 12, 2017, 08:31:45 AM »
 deadhorse:

Ever gone to a game and found out that you brought a chain crew/timers and the stadium provides them?

Ever gone to a game and found another chapter also assigned officials to that game?

Yup.

Offline copedaddy

  • *
  • Posts: 300
  • FAN REACTION: +6/-6
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #16 on: July 12, 2017, 03:49:22 PM »
Or got to the game and the AD ask "where is your chain crew?"
I only have a degree in Earth Sciences, so a bag of rocks are as smart as me. But I read #1 ---

1. Influence, request or communicate, directly or indirectly, with a coach, athletic director, assigning authority or
an athletic governing body to enhance the opportunity for ones’ assignments in contest which are assigned by
any TASO Chapter


How in the hell can asking game details fall under that? That's like, some people drive drunk, so now no one can drink anymore.

Where is Luke when we need him, "What we have here is a failure to communicate"

Offline JasonTX

  • *
  • Posts: 2905
  • FAN REACTION: +112/-58
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #17 on: July 12, 2017, 05:15:35 PM »
I can see the issue with larger chapters.  In regards to the chain crew response.  We don't supply chain crews so no issue for us.

On the main topic.  In my opinion the inquiry for the information may not be solicitation at first but that one email could open the door to further communication.

Official: "Coach, I would like to confirm the game time, dressing area, administrator etc"
Coach:  "You will dress on the North side and game time is 7:00.  John Doe will meet you at 5:00"
Official:  "Thank you for the information.  We are looking forward to working for you and your team"
Coach:  "No problem, we look forward to having you.  I've heard good things about you and your crew"

After game:  Coach:  "You guys did a great job last night"
Official:  "Thanks for the comment.  We would love to work for you again"

Offline getnbetter

  • *
  • Posts: 49
  • FAN REACTION: +0/-1
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #18 on: July 13, 2017, 07:00:11 AM »
How about:

After game:  Coach:  "You guys did a great job last night"
Official:  "Thanks for the comment.  We would love to work for you again" We appreciated the opportunity

Still appreciative, but not moving into solicitation territory.

Offline Hondo

  • *
  • Posts: 76
  • FAN REACTION: +2/-1
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #19 on: August 01, 2017, 03:37:09 PM »
Come on fellas.  A simple email to the coach is completely fine.  He knows a crew is actually coming.

"Coach,
Here is the crew.  Just confirming kickoff is still 7:30. We will arrive at XXXX.  Where do we dress?  We will have our pregame meeting at 6:15."


If your concerned about "soliciting" from an email to the coach confirming game time and dressing facilities might as well eliminate the pregame meeting. I can see more things going wrong there than in an email on Tuesday.  However, emails or conversations after the game are a HUGE no-no. 


just my 2 cents


Offline TexDoc

  • *
  • Posts: 1861
  • FAN REACTION: +98/-26
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #20 on: August 01, 2017, 03:44:08 PM »
Come on fellas.  A simple email to the coach is completely fine.  He knows a crew is actually coming.

"Coach,
Here is the crew.  Just confirming kickoff is still 7:30. We will arrive at XXXX.  Where do we dress?  We will have our pregame meeting at 6:15."


If your concerned about "soliciting" from an email to the coach confirming game time and dressing facilities might as well eliminate the pregame meeting. I can see more things going wrong there than in an email on Tuesday.  However, emails or conversations after the game are a HUGE no-no. 

just my 2 cents

I agree.  Maybe if the referee copies his chapter secretary on any emails to a coach.  I would bet a lot of secretaries wouldn't want all that filling their in box though.

Offline hefnerjm

  • *
  • Posts: 331
  • FAN REACTION: +19/-23
  • Everyone needs a student, a mentor, & a friend
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #21 on: August 01, 2017, 04:17:08 PM »
I agree.  Maybe if the referee copies his chapter secretary on any emails to a coach.  I would bet a lot of secretaries wouldn't want all that filling their in box though.

As long as the secretary doesnt strive for "zero inbox" he will be fine.  Those guys get copious emails as it is...and i agree that copying the secretary on any coach correspondence would certainly be a CYA against potential solicitation, while still allowing for common sense game-day communication.   Especially in an environment where the constant refrain from coaches is that they want more and more communication from us.
Coach: "I've been doing this 30 years!  I know the rules!"
Ref: "Are you married coach?"
Coach (suddenly offguard): "umm...yeah, why?"
Ref: "I've been married 30 years and my wife says there is still room for improvement"
Coach: "<silence>"

Offline backjudge85

  • Moderator
  • ***
  • Posts: 122
  • FAN REACTION: +9/-3
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #22 on: August 07, 2017, 09:30:05 AM »
There isn't any reason that a Referee or any other official, for that matter, needs to email a coach the week before their game.  All contact goes through the Assigning Secretary or his designee.  If an official needs to confirm where to dress park or start time, then he gets it from the secretary.  Your only contact with the coach should be when you get to the game site.  In emergency situations, a phone call could be made to inform them that travel problems existed or something of that nature, but coaches don't want the crew emailing them with all of that information.  They have said so.  It goes through the secretary and then there is NO QUESTION about what is going on.  It is no secret why the officials are doing this.  Some of them are even calling the coach on the phone to do what is being done by email.  Again, you can't do that either.

This isn't my two cents, this is the way it supposed to be.

Offline TexDoc

  • *
  • Posts: 1861
  • FAN REACTION: +98/-26
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #23 on: August 07, 2017, 09:59:48 AM »
There isn't any reason that a Referee or any other official, for that matter, needs to email a coach the week before their game.  All contact goes through the Assigning Secretary or his designee.  If an official needs to confirm where to dress park or start time, then he gets it from the secretary.  Your only contact with the coach should be when you get to the game site.  In emergency situations, a phone call could be made to inform them that travel problems existed or something of that nature, but coaches don't want the crew emailing them with all of that information.  They have said so.  It goes through the secretary and then there is NO QUESTION about what is going on.  It is no secret why the officials are doing this.  Some of them are even calling the coach on the phone to do what is being done by email.  Again, you can't do that either.

This isn't my two cents, this is the way it supposed to be.

I don't agree at all because, in my opinion, contacting a coach with a quick confirmation that officials will be there and any other details should never be considered solicitation.  I just don't see how you can prevent it or stop it.  But, if that's the decision from TASO, that's how it will have to be.  We are just way too sensitive sometimes, to the point of being ridiculous.  Rant/off.   :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup

Offline DallasLJ

  • *
  • Posts: 553
  • FAN REACTION: +16/-15
Re: TASO Policy Question
« Reply #24 on: August 07, 2017, 01:49:50 PM »
I don't agree at all because, in my opinion, contacting a coach with a quick confirmation that officials will be there and any other details should never be considered solicitation.  I just don't see how you can prevent it or stop it.  But, if that's the decision from TASO, that's how it will have to be.  We are just way too sensitive sometimes, to the point of being ridiculous.  Rant/off.   :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup
  I agree with BackJudge.  College officials don't feel the need to contact coaches.  There really is no need.  All stadiums can be found on websites / Google Earth.  In 25+ years, I think maybe we have had the need to reach out to a coach 1 time, and only because the Assigning Secretary said we would need to confirm some issue.