Advice on how to handle mouthy players

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by ballgame99

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated. Rutledge, I'm a pretty direct person and would have no problem telling a kid to watch his mouth. Being a new ref I just wasn't sure of the most appropriate way to do this. I didn't want to be out of line, and the more vet official working the game with me didn't do anything. After the game he acted all tough and said he would have T'd them if he heard it. He must be deaf because it was non-stop. I agree some strong eye contact would probably do some good, but I need a line. I'm thinking just a sweet and simple "that's enough 32" would suffice?

I have even said to players, "When you have the amount of zero's behind your name on a check, then you can talk to me that way." You would be surprised how they get the message and shut up. Or better yet, their teammates get the message and handle it. Because there always seems to be one kid that wants to act like he is grown talking to me or my partners. And I also use the FT line as a way to say things to multiple players and get the message across as well. Again not something that happen every game, but techniques that work for me and prevent further problems.

Peace