Ref's talking with fans

[Smitty]

Originally posted by thumpferee
Double standard.

Where in your original post does it say 15 minutes prior to gametime?

Right here: He'll go into the stands during the 15 minute warm-up and before that (in his uniform no less).


You even said you do it yourself!

Quoting: I admit I've chatted it up with fans during games" Always in a joking kind of way when I know it will be taken lightly, and only for a quick second. I don't find that harmful in any way. OK there was that one time I told a coach who was sitting in the stands to shut up, but that doesn't count

When do you draw the line?

I am not trying to be argumentative here, just wondering where you are coming from.

You're right, I did admit I do it myself. I do it when I'm waiting to inbound the ball and I'm near a fan who I have heard say something and will say something back in a joking manner. That's about it. I think that's ok.

What I have a problem with is when an official chats for a long period of time with the home fans (or the visiting fans) once we have officially entered the game (that's the 15 minute mark of warm-ups). I think it's wrong to do it before that time as well if you are in uniform. I'm talking about long conversations, so it's clear you are friends with these people. Or the coaching staff of one team. I just think it's inappropriate. That's where I draw the line. Is that a double standard? I really don't think so. If I could be convinced it was, I would change the way I do things. I don't want to be perceived that way.