As it was reported to me.....

[Corndog89]

My standard response to such comments is simply "Thank you."

However, last year I worked some 3rd-4th grade rec games, where a qualified ref would partner with a high school rec center employee...actually works pretty well. It was a generally very low key, let the kids have fun, call only the really gross stuff kind of league with lots of very supportive family watching...a good environment. Unfortunately, one "coach" was a real piece of work and complained about everything. I ignored her for the most part, but I finally T'd her up and told her that she had to sit down and remain silent for the rest of the game. It worked, though she fumed till the end. Afterward, the other qualified ref (from the other court) and I were sitting in the lobby changing our shoes when the "coach" walked up. She complimented the other guy on how good of an official he is and then contemptuously told me she hoped I never worked one of her games again. I just looked at her and said "M'am, I hope so too." She seemed stunned and walked away. The other guy and I just laughed out loud.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Corndog89

My standard response to such comments is simply "Thank you."

However, last year I worked some 3rd-4th grade rec games, where a qualified ref would partner with a high school rec center employee...actually works pretty well. It was a generally very low key, let the kids have fun, call only the really gross stuff kind of league with lots of very supportive family watching...a good environment. Unfortunately, one "coach" was a real piece of work and complained about everything. I ignored her for the most part, but I finally T'd her up and told her that she had to sit down and remain silent for the rest of the game. It worked, though she fumed till the end. Afterward, the other qualified ref (from the other court) and I were sitting in the lobby changing our shoes when the "coach" walked up. She complimented the other guy on how good of an official he is and then contemptuously told me she hoped I never worked one of her games again. I just looked at her and said "M'am, I hope so too." She seemed stunned and walked away. The other guy and I just laughed out loud.

Those are the coaches I enjoy working with again, and would ask for quite frankly. One thing I realized after working those games yesterday was how good they are for getting stuff you don't see often (disconcertion, mouthy kids, etc) that keep you on your toes.

[Corndog89]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Those are the coaches I enjoy working with again, and would ask for quite frankly. One thing I realized after working those games yesterday was how good they are for getting stuff you don't see often (disconcertion, mouthy kids, etc) that keep you on your toes.

You can have her!

[jkohls]

Earlier this seson, as we left the gym following a 7G game, a parent on the front row said, "You know you missed a great game!" Without missing a beat, my partner responded, "Really? Where was it?"

[Adam]

Originally Posted by jkohls

Earlier this seson, as we left the gym following a 7G game, a parent on the front row said, "You know you missed a great game!"

"I aslo missed bell bottoms and parachute pants, but mostly I miss original referee insults."

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by jkohls

Earlier this seson, as we left the gym following a 7G game, a parent on the front row said, "You know you missed a great game!" Without missing a beat, my partner responded, "Really? Where was it?"

A few years ago, I was finishing my last rec game of a shift while my buddy, the Immortal Dave, was waiting to begin his. It was during a timeout in the 4th quarter that he yelled from the stands, "Hey Padgett - are you pregnant?” I ignored him but he yelled it again. I finally turned and said, "OK, Dave, I'll bite. No, I'm not pregnant, why do you ask?” Dave says, "Because you missed three periods!"

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

A few years ago, I was finishing my last rec game of a shift while my buddy, the Immortal Dave, was waiting to begin his. It was during a timeout in the 4th quarter that he yelled from the stands, "Hey Padgett - are you pregnant?” I ignored him but he yelled it again. I finally turned and said, "OK, Dave, I'll bite. No, I'm not pregnant, why do you ask?” Dave says, "Because you missed three periods!"

Not much you can say at that point.

[ref3808]

There are however some very fine parents and coaches in the basketball community. Did three games Saturday and after two of the games had both parents and coaches shake hands with me and my partner and say that they appreciated the job we did and hoped to see us at a future game. (It's a youth league grade 4-8 and we can't really avoid parents and coaches as there is usually no place to go).

[Anchor]

Originally Posted by ref3808

There are however some very fine parents and coaches in the basketball community. Did three games Saturday and after two of the games had both parents and coaches shake hands with me and my partner and say that they appreciated the job we did and hoped to see us at a future game. (It's a youth league grade 4-8 and we can't really avoid parents and coaches as there is usually no place to go).

Caveat: whenever we'd receive a compliment like that a partner of mine would always remind us "If you believe them when they say you're good you got to believe them when they say you're bad."

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by ref3808

Did three games Saturday and after two of the games had both parents and coaches shake hands with me and my partner and say that they appreciated the job we did and hoped to see us at a future game.

So....both teams won?

[justacoach]

Originally Posted by jkohls

Earlier this seson, as we left the gym following a 7G game, a parent on the front row said, "You know you missed a great game!" Without missing a beat, my partner responded, "Really? Where was it?"

Circa 2007...

"Don't worry, ma'am, "I've got a Tivo!""

[Juulie Downs]

Originally Posted by justacoach

Circa 2007...

"Don't worry, ma'am, "I've got a Tivo!""

If someone says it during a game, "What you've got a TV behind you?"

Or, "I know, but they don't have a jumbo-tron in here."

Or, I know, but I got assigned to work here."