This is the first of a weekly “rant” I will post here on the Daily Dose, each week Hoopsville is on the air. This is simply a chance for me to comment about something I either have a problem with or wish would be recognized a bit more. Remember, this is strictly my opinion that will certainly bring about other opinions.

So here we go!

Having gone to a Division III school, been a raved fan, and been apart of some great environments that fans have made possible, I appreciate Division III fans for more than just their loyalty.

But since when did the fans become game management?

I was at a game recently that reminded me that fans are both loyal and die-hard… and can over step their bounds. That reminder brought on many thoughts, but I will start with this.

RELAX!
Relax when the scoreboard operator makes a simple and honest mistake.
Relax when they don’t do something fast enough for you.
And relax and give them the courtesy and the dignity to fix the problem without you yelling at them at the top of your lungs.
Would you want someone yelling and screaming at you when you make a simple mistake at your job?

At this particular game, there were several times when the scoreboard operator simply hit the wrong button or didn’t act fast enough for some fans. The result was a tirade of yelling – even cursing – from some fans until the problem was solved… and sometimes a few comments afterward for good measure.

I kept asking myself – and was tempted to ask them – when exactly was the last time YOU actually ran a scoreboard, clock, or simply were game management?

One occasion, there was a jump ball called and on the inbounds play, the ball was passed immediately inside and a basket made. The time it took for the ball to be inbounded and the shot made was all of three seconds. But in that amount of time, several fans already started their abuse towards those working the scorers table to switch the possession arrow!

Are you kidding me?!
You feel you need to tell – practically demand –when the possession arrow should be switched?!
What gives you the right?!
Let the people do their jobs!!!

The arrow was being changed just as the fans started their abuse from the bleachers above.

And if you notice when this abuse occurs… I have found that most times it’s the visiting team’s fans who are the ones throwing around the abusive words.

Give the game management and the rest of us fans, media types, and others at the game a break!

I can appreciate if you are not happy with the ref’s calls (that has several rants lined up for another time!) or with the frustrations you must have while watching your team … son … or daughter play. But, you have no right to come down on those working at the scores table, MOST especially if they are students making minimum wage.

This includes if they accidentally post the wrong score!

So stop wasting your breathe – and our hearing – by being a bully those working as game management.