Ref's talking with fans

[blindzebra]

It's not a great idea, but I'd bet we have all done it at one time or another.

I have done it in youth games several times. Letting them know you are a person and not just a striped shirt can be a good thing.

I once had a high school game back in Kansas. This small town would all turn out for the game, and these older men were notorious for getting on the officials. They would sit in the front row, mid-court.

On the ride there we talked about the issue and we figured we'd let them no they'd have no impact on our game. We went to them during warm ups and said,"So you are the guys we will have to hear all game, right?" They laughed and said,"That depends on how bad you guys are."

The first call of the game was a block/charge right in front of them, that went against them, I just shot them a glance and winked.

Start of the 2nd quarter and I'm about to administer the throw in, and I'm sweating pretty good. They said,"You must be drinking too much beer." I wiped my hand across my face and said,"Why you need some?"

We did not hear anything from them the rest of the game, and they actually invited us for beers after the game.