Sure there is. It's worse to actually let someone throw you under the bus.

I don't know if it's worse or not, but I do know that the first time that official said something loud enough for me to overhear, he's be escorted from the gym.

Then I assume that your games have very few fans left by game end....

Well, you know what happens when you assume. We're not talking about "fans". We're talking about an established official from your local association who is making disparaging comments about the officials on the floor.

So, care to re-think your assumption?

and arent you "assuming" all of that description from the words "big time official?". He could be a D-1 , not a HS ref.....thats how I took it. (and yes, if it was a local official w/an off night, then I agree w/you)

Are you saying that if it was a D1 official that was dumping on the officials, it would be OK? If so, that's just completely ridiculous imo. Publically crapping on your fellow officials is just plain <b>wrong</b>, no matter <b>who</b> is doing it. It's unprofessional as hell and should <b>never</b> be tolerated.

If he wants to "critique" officials, it should be done to the official's' face and it should be done in a positive, teaching manner. Anything else is unacceptable. Shame on that official's association for letting him get away with crap like that!

Completely ridiculous and unprofessional - if this guy's D-1 material, sounds like he should be on a plane to his next series of games, not watching HS ball. We are fortunate to have ref who made it in D-1 and we don't ever see him at any of the local games. We don't expect him to be there as well. If he was, he would only come in after the game intro himself, (leaving out all the D-1 stuff) and probably mention, 'nice job tonight, guys.'

As it should be. If I know the guy's an official, then mostly likely everyone else there does, too. If he's showing us up, then he's inciting the coach and/or fans. I'll have him escorted out and we'll hash it out at the next association meeting if he's got the stones to show up.

I don't give a damn what level he calls in. If he makes remarks about officials on the floor that are working, then he is breaking one of most important rules of officiating. No matter what level you work, we should all be considered a fraternity. There aren't a lot of people that would go through the mess that we do day in and day out. One of our own should not be trying to undermind the job that is being done on the court. It is just highly un-professional, if you ask me.

Of course I agree, that another official making negative comments are wrong, ----I was addressing the comment about making him leave the gym. You would just have to ignore it during the game....

Strongly disagree.

Without pontificating, me too.