[lmeadski]

prior to become a ref. Most coaches get into a ref's ear when 1) they are losing 2) they are mad at their kids play and want to take it out on someone 3) the game seems to be being called one-sided 4) they are losing. The only time I really had an issue with the refs was with games "seemingly" called one-sided. If you are applying the rules equitably between the two teams, understand that the coach's intent may not be personal, or, about your calls at all. I have found "I'll watch for it coach" has worked very well (but, then you do have to watch for it....). Being a new ref, i don't know if the dinosaur ref agree with this position. But, I don't pay much attention to the stickler comments because coaches usually only whine when they are being outcoached or are losing. One time, during a summer tournament, a coach told me i reffed a terrible game (his team played D with their hands, not their feet, and we called a number of reaching calls). I was trying to walk away but he persisted. I stopped turned around to confront him (his eyes got real big, he knew he was over the line and think he thought I was going to pop him!). I said, "Coach, it appears you've never taught your kids how to play D correctly," and I shut up and looked at him right in his eyes. After about 5 seconds, he turned, walked away, and never said another word to me all weekend (I reffed them two more times). Maybe it was out of line, but it sure felt good!