Ethical question

[popcorn]

My son does not play high school football.

If he plays in a low profile high school sport where I have expertise (ex. golf, swimming, bowling),  and if the school asks me to help in a volunteer capacity with some coaching because they don't have anyone on staff understands the sport, do you think there is an ethical issue for me to officiate a football game for his high school?

There are no football players on the team I would help coach and thus I would have no relationship with these players and I would receive no compensation.  I simply want to help my non-football playing son to have a good experience in this high school sport.

I think it is okay, and so does the school.  What do you think?

[TXMike]

In Texas we would make it easy.  You can't do it unless you are willing to let all schools your kids school would play in footba know .  If they agree to still use you then you would be ok.   But what kind of school is it where the kids and their parents don't care about anything except what they are involved in?

[James]

When these questions come up on the board, the general consensus is usually that an official should withdraw from any engagements to schools with which they have ongoing connections.
If it is your alma-mater, or a family member works/attends there, most people on the board say they will not officiate there.
Many say that after the children leave the school (or spouse for people working there) that an appropriate amount of time should be left before accepting assignments - many put forward 7-10 years.

Even with the child not playing football, they have friend that do (or may) and an official is tasked with keeping any possible hint of impropriety out of their conduct. We know (hope) we will not be biased, but there has to be a clear understanding from the opponents and their fans of any lack of bias as well.

[bama_stripes]

Popcorn, I've been in this same position with my children.  The simple answer is for you to refuse any assignments for that school.  It's too easy for non-officials to accuse us of bias even when there's no conflict without giving them more ammunition.

Also, think of the effect a (perceived) game-changing call could have on your son's relationships with his classmates.

[Rulesman]

If you have to ask yourself the question "Should I, or shouldn't I?"... you probably shouldn't... for all the reasons mentioned above.

[TampaSteve]

Round these parts, one cannot work any game in any sport for the school if they or a family member works there, or their kid goes there (or went to school there in the past 5yrs too).
Although volunteer capacity is technically not 'working there', the kid goes to that school.
Dont give anyone reason to complain. 
In my opinion: Scratch that school.

[HLinNC]

Concur with all the above

[AlUpstateNY]

Even the best bomb disposal expert doesn't go looking for mine fields to play in.

[TXMike]

Based on the EOD guys I have known, this may be better stated as "Even the best bomb disposal experts SHOULD NOT go looking for minefields to play in"     

[DAK]

I did all the sub-varsity FB for our local school.  When my kids played I refused any varsity games for that school at home or on the road, but continued to do the sub-varsity stuff with no problem.

[Archie]

You should not officiate for your child's school....period.  It does not matter that he is not on the football team.  Just work other teams and avoid any potential appearance of favoritism.  Life is too short.  Or...put the officiating on ice and concentrate on working with your son and his sport.  Life is too short.