My standard response to such comments is simply "Thank you."
However, last year I worked some 3rd-4th grade rec games, where a qualified ref would partner with a high school rec center employee...actually works pretty well. It was a generally very low key, let the kids have fun, call only the really gross stuff kind of league with lots of very supportive family watching...a good environment. Unfortunately, one "coach" was a real piece of work and complained about everything. I ignored her for the most part, but I finally T'd her up and told her that she had to sit down and remain silent for the rest of the game. It worked, though she fumed till the end. Afterward, the other qualified ref (from the other court) and I were sitting in the lobby changing our shoes when the "coach" walked up. She complimented the other guy on how good of an official he is and then contemptuously told me she hoped I never worked one of her games again. I just looked at her and said "M'am, I hope so too." She seemed stunned and walked away. The other guy and I just laughed out loud.
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