AЯguing with idiots

[BrendanP]

Isn't it always fun when your friends ask you to explain a call, you explain the rule (or in my case pull up the rulebook and read them the direct quote) and then they proceed to tell you why you're still wrong? I got that yesterday about the UNS called on the Bengals at the end of last night's game for simulating the snap count. I kind of enjoy being treated like our very own Mike Perierra, but if I'm going to explain a rule to you, at least smile and nod.

I'm such a geek about this stuff, I have the NFHS, NCAA, and NFL rulebooks saved on my iPad.

[bkdow]

Sometimes I get that in my own house.  Watching the Wisconsin loss to Northwestern and people in my house were not happy when I defended the official's call on the Invalid Fair Catch signal and the incomplete pass in the endzone.  Both ultimately had impact on the out come of the 13-7 loss but both were correct calls.

[AlUpstateNY]

Ignorance can usually be corrected by simply providing relevant information, stupid and stubborn however, are a whole different matter, and in some cases are permanent.

[ncwingman]

Sometimes I get that in my own house.  Watching the Wisconsin loss to Northwestern and people in my house were not happy when I defended the official's call on the Invalid Fair Catch signal and the incomplete pass in the endzone.  Both ultimately had impact on the out come of the 13-7 loss but both were correct calls.

Did you also get pelted with snowballs on your way to the kitchen?

Reading some of the follow up tweets on that is just disheartening. I know it comes with the territory, but some people need to have a little class.

[RMR]

I've had that happen many times and even showed people the relevant rule in print and been told I don't know what I'm talking about.

I find that it's better to just shake your head and smile at them like they're stupid and just leave it at that.

Let Matthew 7:6 guide you.

[BrendanP]

I've had that happen many times and even showed people the relevant rule in print and been told I don't know what I'm talking about.

I find that it's better to just shake your head and smile at them like they're stupid and just leave it at that.

Let Matthew 7:6 guide you.

[RMR]

Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

[riffraft]

I always enjoyed "Do wrestle in the mud with a pig, you'll get nothing but muddy and the pig will enjoy it"

[Sonofanump]

I guess those who ask me for the correct ruling know that what I say is what is correct by rule and philosophy and I don't get into arguments with anyone about it.  Now coaches on the other hand, I am stunned how many of them don't know the rules.

[RMR]

The three types of coaches:

Know the rules and know they know them

Don't know the rules and know the don't know them

Don't know the rules but think they know them

The first two are easy to work for...

[bama_stripes]

"Never argue with idiots.  They drag you down to their level,
then beat you with experience."

[bossman72]

I always caution when attending live sporting events to stick up for the officials, even when they're right.  What if they do something later that you CAN'T defend?  Now you're kinda stuck...

[BrendanP]

I always caution when attending live sporting events to stick up for the officials, even when they're right.  What if they do something later that you CAN'T defend?  Now you're kinda stuck...

Point taken, and that's why I don't stick up for the officials when they're wrong either. I will defend you when you're right, but I'll offer feedback if you're wrong, and I expect the same from my fellow officials of me. How can I get better if I don't know what I'm doing wrong?

[AlUpstateNY]

Point taken, and that's why I don't stick up for the officials when they're wrong either. I will defend you when you're right, but I'll offer feedback if you're wrong, and I expect the same from my fellow officials of me. How can I get better if I don't know what I'm doing wrong?

There's nothing wrong with correcting something that you are absolutely sure of and have all the information necessary, but much more important is HOW you do it, WHY you do it and what SURROUNDINGS you're in WHEN you do it.

As the saying goes, "There but for the grace of God, go I", unless of course, you are one of the really special few who have actually worked their first perfect game.

[bossman72]

Point taken, and that's why I don't stick up for the officials when they're wrong either. I will defend you when you're right, but I'll offer feedback if you're wrong, and I expect the same from my fellow officials of me. How can I get better if I don't know what I'm doing wrong?

I'm not talking about discussing plays with other officials.  I'm talking about sticking up for the officials to the angry people in the crowd.

[VALJ]

I always caution when attending live sporting events to stick up for the officials, even when they're right.  What if they do something later that you CAN'T defend?  Now you're kinda stuck...

"They must have had a different view and seen it differently than it looks from out here."

[yarnnelg]

Always remind them that the TV fan has the advantage. Elevated, wide angle and slo mo replays. An eternity to second guess.  On the field, one snap shot and one chance.

One of my favorites. Home team had just scored and went ahead by three. I have the Home Team sideline. One minute left. Pass on the opposite sideline 52 yards away. "Did you see that? Did he interfere?" "Did who interfere?" "That guy over there!" "That's your player coach!" "I know what's wrong with you guys, I just figured it out! Everyone of you wear glasses, you can't see!" I stepped back "Coach, you wear glasses too!" "OMG I'm as blind as the rest of you!" The clock ran out and we both were laughing as I headed for the locker room.