Should Big Sports privatize officating?

[obamanut2012]

Have Charter Refs. Maybe even allow these Charter Refs to be allowed to choose which players are allowed to play in their games, and be allowed to have under performing or injured players fired on their say so.

I think this is a good idea, don't you? Why waste public money on ref pensions, benefits, and pay? And, anyone who thinks taxpayers money isn't poured into Big Sports needs to educate themselves.

Just spitballing here, but I think this is a great idea. Refs and players already make an awful lot of money, and I bet ticket prices and concession prices could be cut a bit if this happens. Beer is awful expensive at games.

[Starry Messenger]

1. k&r

*crickets*

[GoCubsGo]

2. Is this an attempt at satire or something?

Whatever it is, it's not making sense. They already are privatized. Professional sports officials are not public employees. They're paid from league revenues, not from our tax dollars. And, the leagues are private entities. If the refs were public employees, the league would have not been able to lock them out in an attempt to dictate their salaries and benefits.

As for the refs making "an awful lot of money", this recent deal raised the NFL refs' salaries from $147K to $205K per season. Yes, compared to what most people make, it's a lot of money. But, these team owners are millionaires and billionaires. It's a mere pittance when you compare it to that.

[obamanut2012]

4. They are unionized and work for the NFL

With pensions and per diems and stuff. A lot of corporations now use Wackenhut security instead of their own, because it's way cheaper.

Don't you think the NFL, NHL, etal should do the same, and have the savings trickled down to the fans. Do you LIKE spending all that money for tickets and beer?!

I personally think 200K is a lot of money for running around a field with a whistle. Lots of college grads would LOVE that job for a few years, and would seriously do it for about 70k (I just texted my niece and asked). Or even some college players who didn't make it to The Show.

I really think this is a terrific idea!!!!!!!!!

[Bluenorthwest]

10. The NFL is a rich for profit private business that should not be Union busting

If they bust their Union and use Non Union they will just be Non Union, scabs, they are private now and would be private then, there is no public portion of Big Sports. There are other Unions with pensions and per diems 'and stuff' you know...
Union busting scabs are the lowest from of life. If you are suggesting that they should bust a Union and bring in scabs, I will oppose that with great energy, even though I don't give a shit about sports, I am Union all the way, with per diems and pensions and 'stuff'.

[obamanut2012]

13. I still think Charter Refs are a great idea

And, would ultimately save taxpayers money through fees.

[GoCubsGo]

12. Yes, I know they are unionized and work for the NFL.

I said as much. Professional sports leagues are not government entities. They are private corporations. The NFL is a private corporation. The refs work for the NFL, and in working for a private company, they are also private. Again, I don't understand what point you are trying to make. And, I certainly don't understand why you want to begrudge someone else a decent salary. If you were offered $200K for the job you say you'd do for $70K, I have little doubt you would not turn down that $200K and settle for $70K. BTW, they tried using cheap, non-union refs. Look how well that worked out. Again, am I missing the satire/sarcasm/whatever?

And, as far as ticket concession prices go, they charge what they do because they can get away with it. Just like Apple does when they charge twenty bucks for a crummy fifty cent plastic case for their electronic gadgets. As long as people are willing to pay the outrageous prices for tickets and beer or iPod/iPhone cases, they'll keep charging it. And, no, I don't like it. That's why I don't attend professional sports events. If some dummy wants to shell out that kind of money, they are free to do so. The gouging isn't going to stop until all the fans say, "Enough is enough!"

[obamanut2012]

3. Each team could give the city a fee for each private official

Say, a $200 a game per.

I really am interested to hear what DUers think about this. I think it's a great idea, and may emails all the Big Sports Nabobs, or whatever they are called.

[Bluenorthwest]

5. Big Sports is a private industry,tax payers do not pay their officials, their corporations

do that. Rich, rich for profit companies.

[obamanut2012]

8. Well, that's true for Green Bay

I am tired of my tax money going to help pay refs.

[Bluenorthwest]

11. Yeah, sorry, I don't know about adult 'team sports' I just support Unions

and this piece of yours seems to support scabs. Perhaps this was intended as satire? If so, sorry if I missed your joke, I take my Union very seriously as without it I'd be dead.

[Brickbat]

6. K&R.

[obamanut2012]

9. .....

Sacred cows are always so yummy.

[dballance]

7. Who really cares?

Seriously. Like these sports actually matter? That is a total laugh.

The knuckle draggers are just wasting their time.