Ref in the stands

[lmeadski]

this happened over this past weekend. I was a bit stunned, but, being a first year ref, maybe this is normal protocol.

Frosh game, sparse attendance. From my right, I hear a fan yell out, "Hey ref, they're over the back. Use your whistle." I just happened to get a chance to look into the stands (ensuing dead ball) and, lo and behold, it was a ref from our association! I found out later his nephew was playing.

Is there any "code" or "rules of conduct" that says you shouldn't verbally hoot on another ref from the stands? And, is it something I should tell my association about, or approach the ref in private, or just let it go?