Post Game Comments

Dang. Kudos to you for your self-control. And if you can, do what JetMet said.

[CountTheBasket]

After doing basketball and baseball for a while I've learned sports really bring out the worst in some people, so I've always felt that no matter how many nasty comments or disputes I'm involved in on the court/field if that same person is willing to shake my hand and show respect when the game ends I really have no problem with them. They may (outspokenly) dislike me as an official and I may (in the back of my mind) dislike them as a coach but that really doesn't mean we can't get along just fine as people outside of a contest. This person took it to the next level, I applaud your self control as at that point it was just one person being a a$$h*** to another out in the "real world." Agree with the steps outlined above if you have to go back there.

[egj13]

So glad I don't do middle school anymore...it was ruining my love of the game

[JRutledge]

A couple of things should be noted.

First if you work games, you should probably go further away from the school or communities if you are worried about comments by fans or participants.

Secondly, you can either ignore the statements or confront the statements. Every situation is different, but I would have likely said something to that guy. If he wants to be a smartass, I can be one too. Because not this is not about professionalism, you are not at the site or in your uniform (I hope). You can say something back to them in that situation. I know I would have and he would have been embarrassed by not being quite, I can guarantee you that one.

Peace

[egj13]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

A couple of things should be noted.

First if you work games, you should probably go further away from the school or communities if you are worried about comments by fans or participants.

Secondly, you can either ignore the statements or confront the statements.

When I can I definitely leave town before stopping for refreshments in this part of the country.

I have had moments...usually an AAU tournament type atmosphere...where you can't help but run into someone wanting to say something about how bad you were. My standard response is "we are always looking for more officials." Shuts them up every time because they want to do the complaining but would never be willing to be on the other side of the coin.

[Rob1968]

A person, wiser than I, said, "Sports do not build character, they reveal it!"

Your restraint demonstrates your character. His actions demonstrate his lack thereof. I applaud you! And I wish that, in several situations, over the years, I would have been so calm!

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by egj13

When I can I definitely leave town before stopping for refreshments in this part of the country.

I have had moments...usually an AAU tournament type atmosphere...where you can't help but run into someone wanting to say something about how bad you were. My standard response is "we are always looking for more officials." Shuts them up every time because they want to do the complaining but would never be willing to be on the other side of the coin.

That goes along the lines of my response. I might have said more, but talking about what someone should do in a restaurant is impeding on my personal time. And if that is their choice, they have put me in a different category. I am no longer an official, I am a personal citizen.

Peace

[stir22]

Originally Posted by egj13

So glad I don't do middle school anymore...it was ruining my love of the game

Had a tournament this last weekend, a pay to play weekender for grades 5-8. Worked four games sunday morning, with a veteran partner. Game 3 was a train wreck. After the game this guy with a HUGE beergut walked by me and said,"that's the WORST ref'd game i've ever seen."

I said,"We've got lots of extra whistles if you want to help out." He kept walking.

Probably shouldn't have said anything.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by stir22

Had a tournament this last weekend, a pay to play weekender for grades 5-8. Worked four games sunday morning, with a veteran partner. Game 3 was a train wreck. After the game this guy with a HUGE beergut walked by me and said,"that's the WORST ref'd game i've ever seen."

I said,"We've got lots of extra whistles if you want to help out." He kept walking.

Probably shouldn't have said anything.

And to me this is totally different. You are on site and still in an official capacity. Those have to be very much thought of carefully before you say anything.

Peace

[stir22]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

And to me this is totally different. You are on site and still in an official capacity. Those have to be very much thought of carefully before you say anything.

Peace

Precisely. As soon as the words were out I thought,"you dumba$$, you shouldn't have said that."