Ref's talking with fans

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by Smitty


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.

Well I am not sure anyone said there was a conversation that was for a long period of time. That is different than making a comment or two when you are standing right in front of a fan. But I disagree with you about having a conversation with someone during warm-ups. I go places where people know me very well. I will have people approach me and start a conversation with me or greet me. I am not going to just ignore them. Now that does not mean I will go on and on with them, but it might be a couple of minutes depending on who the person is or what they say to me. I will not go into the stands shaking hands and kissing babies. To me this is a case by case basis. I know if I step on the foot of a fan near the end line, I will apologize to them. That is speaking to the fans is it not?

Peace