Contact with players and professionalism

[BrendanP]

I was a spectator at an out-of-district varsity game last Friday, and I noticed after a play,in the first quarter, the ball carrier tossed the ball to the line judge, who then gave him a friendly pop on the butt as the player headed back to the huddle. Now obviously there was no sexual intent or anything, but does anyone else consider this unprofessional? Generally, if anything, I'll just say "thanks" after the player hands/tosses me the ball. I was just kind of surprised by that.

[DallasLJ]

I was a spectator at an out-of-district varsity game last Friday, and I noticed after a play,in the first quarter, the ball carrier tossed the ball to the line judge, who then gave him a friendly pop on the butt as the player headed back to the huddle. Now obviously there was no sexual intent or anything, but does anyone else consider this unprofessional? Generally, if anything, I'll just say "thanks" after the player hands/tosses me the ball. I was just kind of surprised by that.

  I have given quite a few pats -- on the helmet -- usually middle schoolers.  Would not pat a player on the behind.

[AlUpstateNY]

I was a spectator at an out-of-district varsity game last Friday, and I noticed after a play,in the first quarter, the ball carrier tossed the ball to the line judge, who then gave him a friendly pop on the butt as the player headed back to the huddle. Now obviously there was no sexual intent or anything, but does anyone else consider this unprofessional? Generally, if anything, I'll just say "thanks" after the player hands/tosses me the ball. I was just kind of surprised by that.

The only one that can answer YOUR concern, is the face YOU see in YOUR mirror, but when you're talking to him you might suggest that focusing on Political Correctness INSANITY is really counterproductive and more often than not, simply a waste of time.

[VALJ]

I'm with Dallas - I'll pat the kid on the helmet, or on the shoulder pads, usually when I'm complimenting him on being smart enough to pull up to avoid a late hit or a block in the back or something.  I wouldn't pat any further south, though.

[bkdow]

I think it depends on the level of the game and your seniority.  There is probably no blanket answer but I wouldn't do it because I seem to get myself in trouble for stuff that has good intentions because those observing see something totally different than I intended.

I wouldn't pat a rear-end, but Saturday at our JV game, I would help the ball carrier or the QB up or pat a shoulder pad in certain circumstances. 

I would never think of doing it an DIII college game because I am a lowly sub at that level.  I wouldn't consider it bad if one of the older, seasoned officials patted someone on the head or shoulder pads.

Maybe when I am old (wait, I am old) and seasoned, I might consider it in certain circumstances. 

[NorCalMike]

I am also careful about how I touch players. I will help them fix equipment (these new Adidas shirts should be thrown in the trash). I will help  player up off the ground. As an umpire I am often walking backwards away from the ball after I set it. I will touch the Nose guard or tackle as I go by so he knows I am there and doesn't step on my feet (we got some 300 pounders in my parts). I will step between two players that are looking like they might decide to throw some punches and send them to their huddles. I will dig for the ball in the dog pile after a fumble. I might grab a should pad to get a player to look at me if I have concerns about whether he is exhibited signs of concussions. After I game if a player comes up to me to shake my hand I will shake.

I will not smack a kid on the butt ever. This video is not NFSW but very funny if you like Key and Peele.

[TampaSteve]

I dont fix equipment, help them off the ground, pull players off the stack in a fumble recovery.
In today's litigious society I aint doing nothing with HS kids.

Goodness, I really do not engage in conversation much at all. - after a HS official was accused of dropping the f-bomb a few yrs back when he didnt say anything close to it.

Any longer, my conversation is not much more than:
player: 'hey will you watch for holding?'
me: "OK"

Not to be or act the jerk in not talking, but some of these false accusations make you not want to work at all.

I do speak.  i.e. 'nice play #22'  'good hit #14' 'everyone roll off the pile'
But really not much more than that.

[maninstripes]

I am the same way TampaSteve. I never touch players for that very reason. A kid accused me of grabbing him by the facemask. Mom and dad were livid and called the coach who then called my white hat. After interviewing the coaches and our entire crew (who didn't see it since it never happened), and watching the game video it was determined that this accusation was false. Thank goodness for video....it proved that I was innocent.

[GAHSUMPIRE]

As an Umpire I talk to the players quite a bit:

-At the end of a play,"play's over, roll off easy."
-Before the play starts, I will work with the linemen as I stand over the ball to make sure I don't step on them or they don't step on me (still looking for comfortable steel-toed football shoes) linebackers to ensure that we won't be running into each other, and the  safeties to ensure I am not blocking their view.
- I will inform players that there is an issue with their equipment, but will not assist them in fixing it, though I will ensure that they have a chance to correct the issue or they will be sent off the field to do it.
-I will offer verbal congratulations on good plays, and will check with the players who appear injured.

I try to avoid physical contact with the players as much as possible because of how that contact can be perceived. I would never pat a player on the behind. I don't think it is appropriate behavior for an official. That seems too "familiar" for lack of a better term, and I believe there should be some separation between player and official.

About the only time that I have touched a player is to lead him away from a potential confrontation and redirect him back to his huddle. But even in those instances I am uncomfortable, because I could be seen as restraining one player allowing the other player to take a shot.

At the end of the game, I will usually wave to the players and congratulate them on the game and wish them luck next week. I will not initiate a handshake, but if a player wants to shake my hand, I will do so.

I may be overthinking these things, but I have found it better for me to avoid contact, and try to stick to   general instructions when communicating with the players.