It's not just the parents of 4,5 and 6 year olds. It's the 11, 12 and 13 year olds' parents, too.

"He got mugged! Someone call 911"

O believe me, I know. I dont know if it is just here or not, but during the summer league I had a lot of "future Jordons." The parents about have a heart attack when you call something again little Johnny.. My favorite I had this one parent who got kicked out of the gym when she thought her little sweet heart got charged and I called a block. I mean I new it was right the other ref knew it was right, and I even think he knew it was right but she didnt. She was determined to get that call tho but the only place that got her was the parking lot. :)

learned something new
 

forgive me for my ignorance...never been to any 3-4-5-6 yr old refereed games...I have seen 5-6 GRADE ball...

I just don't understand parents and coaches that are like that. I went to my brother's (8th grade) basketball game last weekend, but I don't think I would go to anymore games because his coach drives me crazy. He has all kinds and antics and always wants to blame everything on the refs. A player got called for a fifth foul and he threw a hat against the ground and - WHACK - and now he's really mad. He turns to the stands, knowing I ref, and asks me "should I have been T'd up for that." I just nodded. He's turns around and says - loudly - "every f****** ref in the world is out to get us" and then he's gone. Really, what was he thinking? When has a ref ever taken back a foul because the coach yelled?

That is funny.

SF...Living in a small town we seem to get that alot from the coaches. The try to pit on ref against another. I have come up with my standard answer "I came to watch the game not evaluate the refs." Usually stops them from asking me for my support. Which I wouldn't give them anyway. Then they will see you in town and not let it go.

If I'm asked my opinion, usually I will say something similar to what you say, but in this situation I thought nodding was the appropiate response to show support for a good call. Luckily, since I live in jam packed suburbia, I don't usually see the coaches any time other than on the court... except for my brother's coach.