[pizanno]

Here's what I do in my games:

children: smile and wink. if they're in the front row, let them hold the ball during a full-time out. consider them your future players, coaches or even (shudder) refs! It also demonstrates a little humanity and serves as a reminder to everyone else that this is supposed to be fun.

good-natured fans trying to get your attention: smiling is acknowledgement enough to show them you appreciate the postive energy and enthusiasm they bring to this game.

hecklers: ignore. ignore. ignore.

This can all be accomplished without ever uttering a word. Nothing good can come from an actual conversation with fans. they'll turn on you in a hearbeat and embarrass you if they can.

Good for you Hunter for being involved. Keep up the good work.