Referee Abuse

[JeffRef]

Originally posted by Wondering
I just wanted to thank you all for your input. As "Just Curious" stated, this was a military rec league. I do realize that I allowed their conduct to get way out of control and I lost a lot of sleep thinking about what I would do - within the rules - if it started to happen again.

Although I had virtually no support from my ref parter (she is part of the player's social group - and offcourt in a corner BSing with a player while I was reporting and trying to get technical foul shots accomplished ) - your inputs will help me greatly in the future. I know I still make officiating mistakes, but most observers would tell you I work as hard as anyone to improve and learn.

These types of games aren't always the most fun or easiest to do, especially with a non-chalant partner. I call these types of games "outside the box" games. I use them to try new things (i.e. think or act outside the box). Too often we get in a comfortable rythm with our refereeing. Even the best referees try to make themselves better and this cannot be accomplished unless you step outside the box every once and a while. It may be a mechanics change or you may want to use some communication techniques you've never tried before. It doesn't always work out but when it does you walk away from a sh*t game with at least some accomplishments and satisfaction.