[stripes]

I read this thread with great interest. I occasionally work as an instructor at camps and teach the class for the new officials in my association, so I get the chance to do a lot of instruction with officials. I found the evaluator's tone (if accurately represented) unfortunate. I think that we all have officials we know that we don't care for or that rub us the wrong way. I think that the response indicate that the evaluator doesn't care for our new friend ewiar and this is reflected in his response. (merely an explanation, not a justification) As evaluators, our job is to teach and help. Personal feeling should be left at the door, just like in a game situation.

That being said, ewiar, I would never again respond the way you did to the evaluator. Like others have pointed out, the evaluator is there to help you and if he said you were bending at the waist, you were. I have a hard time giving advice to someone who denies that he/she is doing what I just watched (reminds me of the kids who clobber someone and try to tell you that they never touched them--they probably believe they didn't). There are generally lots of people who want to hear what I have to say, if you indicate that you don't, I will stop talking, especially if I am volunteering my time. If you don't agree with me, I'm ok with that, but you must realize that talking back will get you a reputation that you don't want. It will squash your reffing career fast.

Don't send the letter, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. Keep working hard and good luck.