WBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Just Bill]

I agree billys.  Nobody accused him of anything.  Some of just thought it was an odd choice by the WIAC to assign him to that game.  It takes nothing away from him or Stout.

[wisconsinball]

The Wisconsin basketball community is fairly small, if you start to get into who should and should not officate games, then there will be no one left!!

Many of the officials in the league have some type of connection to a school or program. Marnie Boario is a UWSP alumni and former player in the mid 90s, Scott Doberstein is the Athletic Training Dept at UWL, Louie Eisenman, an Eau Claire alumni, ect....................

Being at the game, it was officiated very well.

Why didn't anyone complain when Louie Eisenman reffed the UWEC/Stout game at Stout? 

[foul_language]

I'm not reading anyone complaining; I'm seeing people commenting on connections and perceptions. I chose a line about numbers of fouls being even (I tend to gravitate to discussions on fouls, thus the name) and asked a question. I don't actually think there's been a complaint beyond it looking suspicious.

Questions lead to discussions; they shouldn't lead to accusations and bickering. People would probably comment on a possible conflict of interest if Jesus Christ, himself, showed up in stripes to officiate at a Notre Dame basketball game.

[billys]

The Wisconsin basketball community is fairly small, if you start to get into who should and should not officate games, then there will be no one left!!

Many of the officials in the league have some type of connection to a school or program. Marnie Boario is a UWSP alumni and former player in the mid 90s, Scott Doberstein is the Athletic Training Dept at UWL, Louie Eisenman, an Eau Claire alumni, ect....................

Being at the game, it was officiated very well.

Why didn't anyone complain when Louie Eisenman reffed the UWEC/Stout game at Stout? 

I referenced the connections around the league ... and you're right, there's bound to be some connections. Of the cases I know of, the opposing coach was asked by the league if they were okay with Official A reffing their game despite the connection. That's why I asked if that was done in this case cause it sounds like from what I've read that "school officials" voiced their displeasure.

In this case we are also talking about the WIAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. It's bound to draw more attention and if people are more aware of the connection, it'll draw more ire. I don't think there are people on here going after Stout. The connection to the AAU Program is widely acknowledged. People don't know the other people you mentioned as well.

I believe 100% that the game was well officiated. Multiple people have said they aren't accusing anyone of anything. Pretty defensive. But I think you're being naive if you don't see why people wouldn't think it odd ... even some who are Stout supporters ... that they wouldn't just eliminate the perception and have someone else officiate the game.

Why didn't anyone complain when Louie Eisenman reffed the UWEC/Stout ... cause no one knows the connection and it probably wouldn't dawn on anyone.

I think though there's a valid argument to eliminating these things cause I do think there are enough decent officials to fill the spots. What if the game had come down to a big block/charge call at the end of the game ... which he had to make ... and it goes against UWEC even if it is the correct call. I would never, from the league's perspective, want someone to be able to acuse one of my officials for making a call based on some perceived bias. Just eliminate the potential perception.

[The Champ]

I'm not reading anyone complaining; I'm seeing people commenting on connections and perceptions. I chose a line about numbers of fouls being even (I tend to gravitate to discussions on fouls, thus the name) and asked a question. I don't actually think there's been a complaint beyond it looking suspicious.

Questions lead to discussions; they shouldn't lead to accusations and bickering. People would probably comment on a possible conflict of interest if Jesus Christ, himself, showed up in stripes to officiate at a Notre Dame basketball game.

I guess when comments like this are made, BEFORE THE GAME, I consider them complaints:

What I really hope for is a good, clean game and GOOD officiating (something that is hard to come by these days, especially during the playoffs). Doesn't seem right that the WIAC would have one of the refs who is local. Just hope he does his job.

First of all, hoops49 questioned all the officiating in the WIAC.  Then questions if an official who has local ties can ref a game objectively.  Followed up by a statement about him doing his job.

The only reason I can think of to bring up things like that before a game is to cast aspersions on the outcome of the game before it's even played.  Now you may choose to believe differently, but that is how it came across to me.

No one who was at the game from either side has said that the officiating was anything but fair.

I've been to several games that have been officiated by WIAC refs that have ties to one of the teams that was playing.

As Wisconsinball points out, we wouldn't have much of a pool of officials if we eliminated all that have ties (either real or perceived) to one of our WIAC teams.

[Northern_Explorer]

I personally don't understand why the WIAC would put anyone, Chuck, Stout, anyone in that situation. I'm not accusing him of being anything ... it's just a huge game and it's obvious that link is pretty well known. Your rebuttals say if anything, he overcompensates ... that's not good either. In fact, that hurts your point even more.

The WIAC has been really sloppy in assigning officials in a number of sports - I think it speaks more to the level of competence and integrity (very little, IMHO) in the WIAC office.  If they were on the ball, no question you don't have Chuck doing that game - which has NOTHING to do with his abilities as an official, his personal integrity, etc.

The real test is do you think the Big Ten or Big East would allow this?  I think not.

[The Champ]

Why didn't anyone complain when Louie Eisenman reffed the UWEC/Stout ... cause no one knows the connection and it probably wouldn't dawn on anyone.

I did.  

But then I was also aware of Scott Doberstein being on the UWL athletic staff.

Unless someone is making a case for all WIAC officials with ties to WIAC schools being corrupt, I think we better just accept that these men and women can do their jobs impartially.

If anyone has proof to the contrary, please get in contact with the WIAC.

[billys]

I'm not going to get into a urinating contest cause this is obviously going in circles.

For the record I don't think anyone is corrupt.

So ... I'll say from my perspective. I know, and have been told, Scott Doberstein is a good official. Looking at the box scores from past WIAC Tournaments, he's officiated something like 3/4 of the Championship Games ... so obviously they think he's good. As a de facto UW-L fan ... I would rather he didn't ref a UW-L game. I just think it's an awkward situation whether anyone wants to admit it or not. That's all I'm saying and I don't really understand why some of the Stout supporters don't at least concede people could see a conflict of interests, as unjust as you feel they might be.

That's all.

Good luck to Stout this weekend. Represent the conference well. I know UW-L had a good battle with Simpson earlier this year ... couldn't stop them defensively. Didn't see it but looking at the box score a couple girls had really good games for Simpson.

That lady in the middle for Stout will probably have something to say about the ease of their attempts.

[The Champ]

So ... I'll say from my perspective. I know, and have been told, Scott Doberstein is a good official. Looking at the box scores from past WIAC Tournaments, he's officiated something like 3/4 of the Championship Games ... so obviously they think he's good. As a de facto UW-L fan ... I would rather he didn't ref a UW-L game. I just think it's an awkward situation whether anyone wants to admit it or not. That's all I'm saying and I don't really understand why some of the Stout supporters don't at least concede people could see a conflict of interests, as unjust as you feel they might be.

I hope you didn't construe that I felt Scott wasn't a good official from my post.

Scott has reffed many a UWL/Stout game.  I have no problem with him as an official.  He does a good job.

As I said before:

"Unless someone is making a case for all WIAC officials with ties to WIAC schools being corrupt, I think we better just accept that these men and women can do their jobs impartially.

If anyone has proof to the contrary, please get in contact with the WIAC."

[stoutguy]

So ... I'll say from my perspective. I know, and have been told, Scott Doberstein is a good official. Looking at the box scores from past WIAC Tournaments, he's officiated something like 3/4 of the Championship Games ... so obviously they think he's good. As a de facto UW-L fan ... I would rather he didn't ref a UW-L game. I just think it's an awkward situation whether anyone wants to admit it or not. That's all I'm saying and I don't really understand why some of the Stout supporters don't at least concede people could see a conflict of interests, as unjust as you feel they might be.

I hope you didn't construe that I felt Scott wasn't a good official from my post.

Scott has reffed many a UWL/Stout game.  I have no problem with him as an official.  He does a good job.

As I said before:

"Unless someone is making a case for all WIAC officials with ties to WIAC schools being corrupt, I think we better just accept that these men and women can do their jobs impartially.

If anyone has proof to the contrary, please get in contact with the WIAC."

I had decided a long time ago that I was going to keep my mouth shut on this one but I can't.  I have to agree with Billys on this one.  Sorry Champ.  First off, in my opinion, Scott Doberstein is the best official in the league, as far as I am concerned, but it still comes down to that awkward situation that Billys talks about.  I completely agree.  That awkward situation in a championship game with two close rivals is even more obvious in the Mourning discussion.  I also think that Chuck is a very good official.  But I have said for several years that I would not put myself in that kind of awkward position and do not understand why anyone would want to or be allowed to.  Never did get it, never will.   

[foul_language]

I'm not going to get into a urinating contest cause this is obviously going in circles

Count me out, too. I know I'd lose.

Hey, hey. St Norbert vs St Scholastica in hockey this weekend. With the kind of post-season we've had, St Scholastica might just win.

UW-Superior women earn number one spot and host NCHA playoffs this weekend.

I'll check to see who's officiating and report. Who does't want to know...?

[Rico 21]

......an attempt to change the subject


Do ya think there's any possiblity we can get Eddie to sing and do some cheers prior to Friday nights match-up (Pat Summitt - Tennessee)

[stoutguy]

......an attempt to change the subject


Do ya think there's any possiblity we can get Eddie to sing and do some cheers prior to Friday nights match-up (Pat Summitt - Tennessee)

Rico, please, please do not ask him.  I'm sure he'll say yes.  Now, getting him in a cheerleader outfit--that might be fun.

[badgerwarhawk]

I'll check to see who's officiating and report.Who does't want to know...?

Me

[BDshotblocker]

......an attempt to change the subject


Do ya think there's any possiblity we can get Eddie to sing and do some cheers prior to Friday nights match-up (Pat Summitt - Tennessee)

OH for the love of all that is holy

DO NOT ASK!!!!!!!!!