FANS

[Jerry Baldwin]

Amanda,
You always have the 'T' in your arsenal, but how you use it is what seperates the better officials. By the way I love your name, my granddaughter has the same name and will be ruling the world some day. Anyway, I had a similar situation just last week. Sr. boys game very close, 4 minutes to go, time-out. I go to center court to discuss the game with the 'R', my best freind. While I am there a fan finally gets my attention. He had been yelling all night "that sucks" on every call that went against his team, the visitors. I had ignored him to that point. I turned to him and said "sir, I have heard enough of your personal remarks". But he continued. I turned again and said "sir you will be asked to leave the game if you continue your comments". He had to have the last word, so I step out on the court a few feet and pointed at him and then to the door. My partner had already headed for the local sheriff, I swear it was Barney Fiffe. But the fan did leave. The ironic thing is that the last 4 minutes was the best BB all night and his team finally won. Some fans are idots. In your case if you had no support from mangement, warn the coach first then if he does not take care of the fans then reach way down and pull out the 'T'. By the way one of my partners is a female and I protect her like she is my sister. She hardly ever gets to 'T' anyone because my partner and I take care of the situation before she has a chance to get her whistle in her mouth. Good luck and have a Merry Christmas & a great New Year, 2000 wow!!!
Jerry