At what point do you acknowledge fans/parents?

[Husker John]

We are all compilation of our own circumstances. In any 7/8 grade game I have been to has not had officers their to enforce the peace. Unfortunately, I am aware that this is not the case everywhere.

In the original case described in this thread there may be other resources that sometimes help. In addition, officials that have far more game experience would take other actions.

Like I said in my last response in no case should an official have to take the kind of verbal abuse that was given. In your description, there should never, ever be the kind of physical contact that you described. I am glad that I have never coached in, nor my kids played in that kind of environment.

One final note, this last fall in our middle school age football league, there was a point of emphasis from the league for the coaches to control the sidelines including the fans. Twice, I felt that our fans had continued their yelling beyond what I was comfortable with. Each time I walked onto the field and looked at the fans and said enough. Both times the fans calmed down and each time, I was thanked by the officials afterward.

It can work sometimes, but not in all. I hope you don't face too many environments like you described.

[dave30]

Bribe a kid to throw a bad pass REAL HARD in the direction of the worst offender.

[rainmaker]

Had a freshman girls game, total blow out (V losing), 9 fans in the whole gym including two obnoxious boys who were really razzing one visiting player who was somewhat overweight. Comments not loud, but very comprehensible and absolutely offensive.

The player was getting rattled. No game management in sight. Home coach not even noticing. Partner wasn't willing to address the situation. Middle of second quarter, I went over to stands and said in my most mother bear voice, "You idiots!! Either shut up or get out!" I'm big and loud, but not usually very aggressive or confrontive so I wasnt sure how it would go over, but they got up and left in a hurry.

When AD finally showed his face again, I just reported what I'd done. He asked me to come outside and identify the boys, who were in fact, still standing around!! He talked to them and kicked them off the property.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

... and said in my most mother bear voice, "You idiots!! Either shut up or get out!"

Would that work on some posters here?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

Would that work on some posters here?

Nah, it's been tried.

[mj]

I learned many years ago that if you are going to acknowledge parents/fans at all be very careful. I was doing a Middle School girl's tournament game and the visiting fans/parents thought they were getting the shaft on some calls. After one such call, I told them "we'll do the refereeing now thank you". One parent yells back, "Yeah when are you gonna start?"

After that I learned to be very choosy what if anything you say to the crowd.

[ChrisSportsFan]

Originally Posted by mj

I learned many years ago that if you are going to acknowledge parents/fans at all be very careful. I was doing a Middle School girl's tournament game and the visiting fans/parents thought they were getting the shaft on some calls. After one such call, I told them "we'll do the refereeing now thank you". One parent yells back, "Yeah when are you gonna start?"
After that I learned to be very choosy what if anything you say to the crowd.

"Now and good-bye to you, Sir"