Unruly fans

[Rufus]

But you neglected to include a third option - quit officiating. Hardest decision I ever made to hang it up this year but over the years of being followed to my car, getting accused of assaulting a player, and other "highlights" like you mention I gave it up as not worth my time or effort any longer.

Some folks might say "suck it up" or "they pay admission to yell like that" and your mileage may vary following that advice. I wouldn't tell anyone else what to do but, for me, I'd had enough of that kind of abuse.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Rufus

Some folks might say "suck it up" or "they pay admission to yell like that" and your mileage may vary following that advice.

They pay admission to watch the game and cheer for their team, not act like a$$hats and demonstrate poor sportsmanship.

I try to ignore them the best I can too. But, if it really got bad, I'd get game mgt involved.

NOTE - Last night I arrived at the gym and sat down to watch the game before mine. There was a fan a few rows behind me who commented on everything he saw. He was a mess. It was sad.

During a time out, I got up and walked to the other side of the gym. I just couldn't be near him.......and I don't know how anyone else could either.

[BryanV21]

Treat it like online troll behavior. If you acknowledge them in any way it validates what they're saying/doing, which leads to more of that same type of action from them.

[Raymond]

I usually look at them, shake my head with a disgusted look on my face, and then turn away. I have in my time interacted verbally, as recently as 2 weeks ago. Not saying that's for everybody, but I pick my moments.

[UNIgiantslayers]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I usually look at them, shake my head with a disgusted look on my face, and then turn away. I have in my time interacted verbally, as recently as 2 weeks ago. Not saying that's for everybody, but I pick my moments.

I would never do any of this, nor would I recommend it. My assignor would be furious.

[SC Official]

I laugh at fans in response to their idiocy. On the court. And make sure they can see me.

We are not robots. There are not many absolutes in this business.

[SD Referee]

Originally Posted by SC Official

I laugh at fans in response to their idiocy. On the court. And make sure they can see me.

We are not robots. There are not many absolutes in this business.

Right or wrong, I have used that tactic as well. Surprisingly, the idiot shuts up more than you would think.

I try not to do that very often or acknowledge them in any way very often. As I said earlier, I don't hear most of it anyway.

[crosscountry55]

Originally Posted by Rufus

But you neglected to include a third option - quit officiating. Hardest decision I ever made to hang it up this year but over the years of being followed to my car, getting accused of assaulting a player, and other "highlights" like you mention I gave it up as not worth my time or effort any longer.

Some folks might say "suck it up" or "they pay admission to yell like that" and your mileage may vary following that advice. I wouldn't tell anyone else what to do but, for me, I'd had enough of that kind of abuse.

I'm sad that you left, but I completely understand and respect why you did. For every one of you still lurking in this forum there are probably 50 who aren't.

If fan sportsmanship isn't qualitatively addressed in the near future (i.e. stop just paying lip service), or the varsity fee schedule doesn't noticeably improve (at least in some areas....$50??....smirk smirk), decisions like yours will become more common. Unfortunately, IMO not until actual games start getting cancelled due to officials' unavailability will anything appreciably change.

[SD Referee]

Originally Posted by Rufus

But you neglected to include a third option - quit officiating. Hardest decision I ever made to hang it up this year but over the years of being followed to my car, getting accused of assaulting a player, and other "highlights" like you mention I gave it up as not worth my time or effort any longer.

Some folks might say "suck it up" or "they pay admission to yell like that" and your mileage may vary following that advice. I wouldn't tell anyone else what to do but, for me, I'd had enough of that kind of abuse.

That's awful that you had to deal with that. I can see why you hung it up and don't blame you. I might as well if I were in that situation. I would like to get home to my family at night. I don't need confrontations in the parking lot that could lead to God knows what.

Terrible people and terrible administration to allow that.

[ballgame99]

Originally Posted by Rufus

But you neglected to include a third option - quit officiating. Hardest decision I ever made to hang it up this year but over the years of being followed to my car, getting accused of assaulting a player, and other "highlights" like you mention I gave it up as not worth my time or effort any longer.

No way I'm quitting because of that jackwagon. I enjoy it too much. I would just enjoy it a little more if I could remove these individuals from the equation.

[Adam]

If they're a distraction you can't ignore, have them removed by game management. Over time, that threshold moves as we learn to tune out most of the garbage.

[deecee]

I ignore most everything unless its personal or out of line. Kicked out 2 fans in 15 years and both were because I had just had enough of them and they were borderline abusive.

However I have had fans approach me inbetween quarters before inbounds and ask about a specific call, and if I remember the play I answer them. I don't voluntarily initiate a conversation with fans and am at the point where it's rare where I will do that with a coach or player. Nothing good comes of doing "the right thing" or "being the bigger man".

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Adam

If they're a distraction you can't ignore, have them removed by game management. Over time, that threshold moves as we learn to tune out most of the garbage.

Adam:

Please define distraction.

MTD, Sr.

[deecee]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Adam:

Please define distraction.

MTD, Sr.

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