I don't think much of a reply is warranted. Certainly there is no reason to up the hostility level by bringing your integrity into the discussion. You begin to sound defensive, as though integrity should be an issue. You also may leave the impression that you have been personally insulted, so that from here forward your impartiality may be subject to question.

Ignore it, if that doesn't work, let him know you have heard enough (no T warning - just a stop sign and I've heard enough coach), and if he persist, the T.

If you do not want us to react to that statement, do not make that statement. Because what the foul count, has nothing to do with the game. Unless you are trying to suggest that we are cheating, because we called more fouls on your team instead of the other team. It might sound defensive, but it is a way to give the coach an out. Because if you do question my integrity, I am going to T you for sure. I agree you do not want to challenge coaches as a regular practice, but sometimes a line needs to be drawn in the sand. Because if you want to tell me what the foul count is (probably something we already know to begin with), then you open yourself up for a response. ;)

Peace

Actually I already know what alot of guys think about him. As my mentor said last year, "The thing you need to remember about X is, he is an A------." And this is from a guy who gets along with him.

If that is what they think.......
 

If he is an A------ like you say, why put so much stock into what he says? Is there no one else to put that kind of confidence in? Be professional, but I would not go out of my way to worry about what this individual said to me. Tell the story to someone you trust and they might take issue with him on their own. Other than that, life should go on.

Peace

This "vet" official may not get you as far as you think or have been led to believe. Pick your mentors carefully and listen to the rest with caution. I always have taken the stand that my mentors have earned that designation from me. No battles with this guy but do not overly influence you or your feelings about your game.

after the score, the next thing the head coach will complain about is the foul count.

to be honest, often i have no idea that a foul count gets lopsided, i.e., 7-2, 8-4, etc...if i notice, or a coach interjects; i will look at that count and 'not make up fouls', but if the foul presents itself, i will take the opportunity to even the foul situation out...

My standard response is, "What are you trying to say?" (I know he is trying to work us or say that we are cheating without using the dreaded "C" word).

Standard response is "well, it is 7-2" or whatever.

My response is, "OK, you said that already."

If he is dumb enough to go on, I will pin him on the cheating issue until he quits or says "cheat" in some form which, of course, is followed by a T which now makes the count 8-2 or whatever.

The strategy is to put the ball in their court and make them respond to why they want to talk about it. The generally lose interest quickly.

Also for those that think this leads to a path with an "unwarranted" T at the end, he started the conversation and it has to do with me being a cheater. How is that unwarranted?

Coach - "The fouls are 7-2."
Me - "and??"

Never have heard a reply (if 3 for 3 counts as never).

Or
Coach - "the fouls are 7-2"
me - "and the score is 30-10. Anything else needed to be known?"

lopsided foul count
 

This comment from coaches has to be one of my biggest pet peeves. Invariably it comes from a coach whose team is on on the short end of the score. You never hear a coach with the lead saying that. Coaches who say this are simply trying to find a way to justify the score without admitting his/her team simply does not know how to defend. Everytime I hear an opposing coach yell that I am tempted to say "Well, if you'd teach them how to play defense, perhaps the foul count wouldn't be what it is." Sorry to state what everyone already knows but as I said this is without question, my biggest peeve with some opposing coaches.

jrut
You have never heard me say this and you never will. My only point about responding in kind to this type of statement is you are sinking to the level of the person that makes it, rather than just reffing the game.

I am fine if you feel an immediate T is warranted. I just think that if you aren't going to T, make a more neutral response that does not bring your character into the conversation. YOU control the direction of the discussion, if there is one, not the jerk that makes this comment. He has inplied that you have not been fair, don't give any credence to this type of implication by making the statement explicit.

Referee your game, if you need improvement, then let it come by experience or through mentors or other officials. When you are a good official the game will find you. You do not and should not adjust your game to satisfy one official. That doesn't mean you can't learn something from that official. After every game ask your partners what the saw that you can do to make your game better.

As for responses to coaches, a question deserves an answer, a statement is NO response. And keep your respones to no more than three words. This means you have to practice at home the responses so you will be ready. Example; You T a player for saying he shouldn't have to the opponent or you. Coach; What did he do? Official; Taunting or unsportsmanship. If you don't want to repeat what the player said, then tell the coach to, "ask your player".

[Edited by Bart Tyson on Jan 20th, 2004 at 08:56 AM]

My response, loud enough for everyone in the area to hear:

"I'm just calling it the way you begged me to during pre-game, Mr. Bigtime!!"

Tempting, but no. Airing your differences with your partner in front of the players can only hurt your credibility as a crew. His behavior is unacceptable. Don't respond in kind.

Howler Monkey: "The fouls are 7 to 2!"
Ref: "Really? Thanks for reminding me about the bonus. I appreciate it."

On a few occassions that I've heard this and that team is in the lead, I've said...

If I even out the fouls, I'd have to also even out the score.

I rarely say things like this to a coach but it can be done with those with which you have a solid history.

They're usually quite happy to concede the foul count when it pointed out that they have a lead that is largely due to their aggressive play.