Played in My First Rec League in 10 yrs...

[JoeTheRef]

I played in my first organized rec (Church) league in over 10 years. Disclaimer: I stink in basketball and this is why I officiate. Anyways, here's what I have. I had an official tonight who was pretty much clueless and it was evident from his opening pregame to all the players prior to tipoff. Unfortunately, he didn't realize how clueless he was and he didn't want to hear anything from the players as he stated. B1 catches the a loose ball and while possesing the ball, falls to the floor with no call. I asked clueless one how this isn't a travelling, he responds to me, apparently I didn't hear his pregame, he refs, I play. He continues to say that B1 can fall with the ball but he can't get up. I gave my scooby doo look, like HUH?? Fast forward to A1 attempting a free throw. He tells me that all players have to be behind the 3-point line (top of the key extended). I didn't say anything.

I approached the official after the game and ask about the free throw ruling and what rules were we playing and he calling by, he said High School (FED). I continued to ask the official if he minded if I gave him the proper ruling or what I thought that was the proper ruling, meaning behind the 3pt line and above the free throw line extended. He said I was wrong and where did I get that rule from. I told him and he insisted I was wrong so I walked away. I came back to the official and told him I wasn't trying to show him up or question him and apologized if I offended him. I really wanted him to realize that he shouldn't make these incorrect ruling statements on the floor because it may make him look like he doesn't know what he's talking about. Here's my question. How could I have approached this official in a positive more constructive way? I ask because I have a feeling he will be there every week. I know the assignor and he's the type to put the same guy in the same gym for the entire season, and he could careless what type of official he is putting on the court. Thanks in advance for your input.