"Reverse rant"

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by seanwestref

As a new official, I have needed to learn this. There are some times that I just need to shut up and take the criticism, even though I might be right.

For example: I was doing some 3-man games (CYO). An experienced official I had worked with before showed up early for the two games following mine. I asked him to watch me and give me pointers on how to improve. While he was watching me, I called a foul on number 7, and as such had to report the number with two hands. After the game, my observer told me not to report with two hands. I immediately replied "but, but, he had a number that required it!". He didn't understand what I was trying to tell him, and he thought I was just making an excuse. In hindsight I should have just shut up.

Sometimes with people like that, instead of disagreeing or arguing, rephrase it as if you're still asking his advice. For example, instead of "but, but, he had a number that required it!", ask, "How should I report a foul on a number 7?"