Approached and berated by two parents

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by mplagrow

Yes, the WIAA does give an officiating number to all officials, I actually assumed that was standard practice everywhere. Almost all grade school leagues follow WIAA rules, not surprised that the parent thought that reporting a ref to the WIAA would actually mean something (it wouldn't).

We have an Elementary School Association on our state and they follow all the NF Rules for the most part with some modifications, but we also have an IHSA number. I would never give that number to anyone outside of an IHSA contest and would not give it to them after the game. It is listed where it needs to be and that would be in the book or the website. I would never volunteer that information no matter who that person is asking.

Peace

[deecee]

My only advice to you is to keep communications between you and a coach to a minimum and only the facts. Saying things like, "That was the only bad call I had though." can only lead to trouble and tension.

Also, like it was said before, a simple, "I've heard enough." is sufficient. You don't need the extra verbiage, "..Or else it's a T." Unless you plan on turning around and mimicking rotating your revolvers on your fingers and putting them back in your holster. Then I would encourage this method, and please video it.

[MD Longhorn]

1) If a coach tells you you did a great job, and you believe them and feel better about yourself... then you have to believe them when they tell you that you suck. Don't put any weight behind praise that a coach gives you.

2) I always keep a large shirt in my bag. If we don't have a place to change, I put it on over my ref shirt, and get the hello out of there (with my partner, of course). Change in the car if you have to, but as Commander Kruge said, "GET OUT OF THERE!!!!" before the starship blows up.

3) I too use the fake name thing - sometimes it diffuses the person asking.

[fullor30]

Have had this happen before with parents walking over to table, usually after some AAU games

Steve Welmer and Jim Burr are usual names given out

[Tio]

You may want to alert the assignor... let them handle following up with the school. Unfortunately this happens... My advice would be to ignore it and move on.

The old high school group used to print out business cards that had information on how to join the association. The purpose was to hand them to fans who are obviously officiating "experts." I never actually did it, but always thought it was funny.

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by deecee

You don't need the extra verbiage, "..Or else it's a T." Unless you plan on turning around and mimicking rotating your revolvers on your fingers and putting them back in your holster. Then I would encourage this method, and please video it.

That's pretty funny. Just thinking about how that would look made me laugh.

[refprof]

Originally Posted by Smitty

That's pretty funny. Just thinking about how that would look made me laugh.

When asked, I respond by saying, "Joey Crawford"

[Mark Padgett]

"Sorry sir. I'm not allowed to give out my name. It's part of my witness protection agreement."

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by fullor30

Have had this happen before with parents walking over to table, usually after some AAU games

Steve Welmer and Jim Burr are usual names given out

Dewey Cheatham & Andy Howe would be a good partnership

[Rich]

You could always ask that parent/fan for their Social Security number - tell them you want to call and open up a credit card account in their honor on the way home.

If I was feeling particularly malicious, I'd probably give them the name and number of an official I used to work with that features prominently in a video on YouTube.

[rekent]

For all the ones suggesting fake names, I am just not sure I would be able to do it with a straight face. Give them some NBA or Final Four official's name and I know I'd crack a smile...

[Adam]

Honestly, I prefer to just direct them to the league director. If they don't know how to contact that person, they can talk to their kids' coach. I can appreciate the fun, however, in giving either fake or stolen names. I just would rather do it professionally, and not have to explain my sense of humor to my assigner when he calls asking why I told a parent my name was Bruce Banner.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Adam

Honestly, I prefer to just direct them to the league director. If they don't know how to contact that person, they can talk to their kids' coach. I can appreciate the fun, however, in giving either fake or stolen names. I just would rather do it professionally, and not have to explain my sense of humor to my assigner when he calls asking why I told a parent my name was Bruce Banner.

My question is why would anyone even entertain a phone call or email from someone that is not associated directly with the school or the athletic program. I agree about giving a fake name, but no one has the right to know who I am if they are not with the school or in some supervisory role with athletics or running the school.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by ODog

chapmaja, regardless of what foul you called on the player, she would be disqualified, not ejected.

While that may be true where you live, it's not true everywhere.

In NC, a player can be ejected for 5 different acts. An ejection differs from a disqualification in that the player will receive a suspension from the NCHSAA, dependent upon the sport and the reason for ejection.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by pfan1981

This situation is laughable, but still wears on me and is unfortunate. The crazy part about the whole thing was to get such high praise one minute and have this happen the next. I really think the visiting coach still thinks we did a great job deep down inside and was more frustrated with her players.

So, you believed her when she said you were doing a great job but didn't believe her when she basically said you sucked? Do you see the paradox?

Remember this. If you're going to believe them when they tell you how great you are, then you have to listen when they tell you how much you suck. My advice? Take both with a grain of salt as neither means much.