Ref in the stands

[Ref-X]

In my first season I was working a CYO 8th grade game. The coach of the one team was riding me very hard. He was giving me a hard time about everything I did. From my calls, to my position on the floor, my hand signals, everything. I could not figure out what this guy’s problem with me was. I found out after the game that he was a long time IAABO official with the same board as me. He was giving me a hard time because I was new. You would think a veteran official like this would want to come to me after the game and talk to me about how I was calling the game and maybe give me some CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Not try to undress me on the court. I had to work a game he was coaching again a month later. By this time I had a lot more games under my belt and I was a little more confident. He tried giving me a hard time once more and I gave him the T early. I really felt vindicated. I never had a problem with him after that, but it never should have come to that in the first place. I never reported it to my association and looking back maybe I should have.
In our association it is strongly communicated that officials do not criticize other officials publicly, and veteran official are encouraged to help the rookies. I look at it as one of the many experiences that have help make me a better official.