System setting 52, as is, allows an official to give an assignment to an unqualified official, even with the warning. This results me and assignors getting an "TBA Unqualified Warning!", which then means we now have to react and fix the problem, i.e., reassign the game to a qualified official. That, of course, completely defeats the benefits of allowing officials to swap assignments among themselves.

The ultimate goal of the TBA System is to ensure the game is covered and has assignments filled however, with system setting 52, officials are trying to swap games that are already covered and assignment already filled. If no one requests the game, it is still covered as the official putting the game up is still assigned to it.

The requirement for System Setting 52 - Allow Officials To Swap Assignments With Each Other, is to have a VSP to prevent officials from seeing games they are not qualified for. With this system setting enabled, it would still allow an official to post an assignment to trade but the onus to ensure that respondents are qualified is removed, i.e. unqualified officials would not see the assignment nor be able to request it.

To clarify the requirement:

1. When System Setting 52 is set to “ON” an additional selection item becomes available
2. The additional selection provides a title such as “Allow unqualified officials to see and request”
3. An “ON/OFF” selection is provided a. If “ON” is selected i. When an assignment is posted, any official can see it and request the assignment ii. Existing system qualification evaluations and warnings will remain and be utilized. b. If “OFF” is selected i. When an assignment is posted, only qualified officials can see it and request the assignment.
4. Default setting for additional setting is “ON”

This option would provide a more efficient and effective system for all involved. It would still allow the flexibility for Officials to swap assignments among themselves without the risk of unqualified officials getting the assignments. Furthermore, it would prevent many unnecessary communications with Assignors to determine if Official ‘X’ can have the assignment as Official ‘X’ never would have seen the assignment.

The additional VSP to system setting 52, improves the assignment swapping system without losing the efficiency of allowing officials to swap assignments without involving assignors.

I am willing to discuss further if required/desired.

Fred Cosgrove
Referee-in-Chief
District B Officials Association