Inappropriate fan interaction

[LepTalBldgs]

In our BJV game the other night there wasn't any place to put our jackets so we had to leave them at the table. At the end of a very close game the teams shake hands near the table while my partner and I wait around mid-court. The coaches shake our hands and the place is emtyping.

Right behind one of the coaches is a father who comes over and says "I'm sorry I was yelling so loudly at you guys, etc.". Neither my partner nor I heard him but we said we appreciated his comment.

As we are walking to our cars the same father is saying good bye to his son who is taking the team bus to the school. I had noticed this player exhibiting extraordinary sportsmanship during the game and had told him so just prior to the end of the game. Best sportsmanship of the season, by far.

The father and I are walking to our cars, nearly parallel and I told him how terrific his kid had been. The father said he really appreciated me saying that and that it made him feel good.

I got to wondering if even though this was a non-threatening environment I should not have said anything to avoid it being seen by someone else and misconstrued. This was my first time with this team and I couldn't pick the player out of a police lineup. But should I avoid all interaction?

Thanks