Well, I'm off to my youngest child's very first high school basketball game (Freshman boys). Not the first time in the "parent/spectator" role, but it's been a few years since my older boy graduated.

I have PROMISED myself that I will not be verbal and will not make any comments about calls or rules. Most of the other parents know I am a referee so I am determined to avoid conversation regarding play at games. I know this is easier said than done.

I will probably end up helping out at the table, at least for home games, so that should keep me out of trouble.
Any advice, besides hiding in the opposing team's seating, or duct tape?

It can be very hard to watch and keep quiet. I don't so much mind what's going on with the players, coaches, refs. My Daughter plays Freshman ball and it is what it is. What aggrivates me is the stupid stuff (complaining) the other parents say.

BTW; her team is 5-1 and should slaughter opponent tonight.

Have your larynx surgically removed. :p

Z

nine,
Helping out at the scorers table is a good way. I would just avoid and complaining opened questions, like "that was a terrible call, hey nine, what did you seriously think about that?" Other than that, just watch the game and have fun. Also remember, Fresh/Soph boys ball is hard to call, so keep that in mind whenever you aren't seeing everything called. Chances are the official saw it, but you can't call everything at this level! :)

When asked, grin widely and say, "Great Call" or "Great No-call". Everyone will laugh, but they should stop asking after 2 or 3 of these.

My favorite comment when someone asks me what I thought about a call is "I'm sure he had a better look than we did. If we could see everything from here (bleachers), this is where they'd have the officials." Usually gets a laugh or two, and don't ask much more after that.

Yes this is a great come back. Works well too.

Educate the parents.

Most of the parents I've encountered watching games I've officiated don't have a clue about the rules. Try to give them a mini-clinic during the game.

So when when the referee doesn't call a 3 second violation while the ball is being shot at the basket the parents aren't going to have a fit :D

Follow-up.

Well, I had fun and my son played well for his first game, although he, of course, thinks he stunk (as he puts it).
I kept the scorebook at the table and was very well behaved. I did such a good job that I ended up working the book for the JV and Varsity games, also. Not much to complain about anyway, since all three teams won by 25 or more points. But, I'm still going to act professionally even when they are losing. If not, I'll got for the surgery.

Thanks for your input.

Advice?

Sure...enjoy it while you got it!

It won't be too long before you're saying "but it's been a few years since my younger boy graduated".

keep it generic
 

Think up some generic "for coaches" stuff.

He coulda:
<LI>been screened<LI>been looking off ball<LI>had a different angle<LI>judged it incidental<LI>seen something else

mick

Start heckling the fans; especially the ones you know.

"Hey, you call that a soda?"
"Do you wanna borrow my glasses next time you dress yourself?"
"Sit up straight, you can't possibly see the game sitting like that."
"You call that applause?"
"Hey, you gotta look both ways." This works best if your sitting near half court rather than at an end line.

This is what I say, works well.

I think you'll realize that you'll see the fans more wrong than the refs.