Last week, I was called at the last second to officiate a freshman boys game. Somehow, no officials ever got assigned and i got the call around 4:05 for the 4:00 game. :eek: Fortunately, I only live about 3 miles (5 km) away. So I change into my uniform except for my court shoes, and I get to the game site. I have to start the game solo, but my partner arrives partway through the first quarter.

The first half was a bit physical and chippy. I had an IF foul a push from behind on a breakaway layup. V coach was not thrilled, but the player made no attempt for the ball.

At the half, one of the V parents tries to confront me and accuses me of single-handedly screwing his team over. I did my best to turn, walk away, and ignore him.

What I really wanted to say was, "When your team isn't passing the ball the other team, it's missing nearly all of its shots. Yet, I'm somehow the reason you're losing by 30?"

Not the best game to end my season with, but at least I was able to help the assignor out in a bind.

That parent likely doesn't finish the game around here for even trying to confront an official.

If I'm the official he most certainly doesn't see the second half.

Same. I'd already be in a somewhat iffy mood after scrambling to cover the game and working by myself. I might actually break out my "I might be bad but I'm not 30 points worth of bad" line before having GM escort them away.