[btaylor64]

Originally Posted by Ch1town

Perhaps... just like communication with the coaches (at any level) you gotta know who you're dealing with. Being my 3rd yr in the league, I know who I can/can't say those types of things to.

As a matter of fact, comments like that (to certain players/coaches) helps the game in some instances! Sometimes it diffuses the pushback when you feel it coming on.
Acknowledging non-verbal concerns of players/coaches is not ALWAYS a bad thing. Why not resolve the situation before it blows up? Another part of GM skills.

I guess one would have to have a "feel" for the game to do those types of things successfully

I agree with you on your points but players don't discern contact like we officials do so as I said previously I don't see how telling a player, even if you are attempting to thwart his non verbal reaction to the play, that he did well playing through the contact will aid you in the long term cause I am not only telling you but I promise you it will bite you. But sometimes as a young official you have to get bit before he truly takes hold. I definitely know that and am still learning that but I have also learned to listen a little more often to my more experienced partners so that I don't have to get bit. Would you mind me asking how old you are? You just sound a lot like I did in my early years of officiating. Heck im still in my early years!