One down, ? to go!

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by LarryS
...Yesterday after the final game on the tournament I was calling, a couple of parents and a coach from the stands came up to me and my partner and complimented our work. They said "Y'all are the best pair we have had all year." I understand that the comparison may be against guys they think were really bad and our quality is relative, but it is nice to hear something good said about your effort.

The general rule seems to be, "If you don't listen to the criticism, you can't listen to the praise." But I have allowed myself to feel okay if, say, both coaches come and compliment me. Or if one coach is giving me a rough time, but after the game says, "I'm sorry about yelling, you handled me very well." Or if parents from the losing team say they appreciated how we did the game. These people don't know amy more about reffing than the complainers, but they recognize the people skills, and the effort and respect you are giving the kids, and you can take that appreciation to the bank!