I am not writing to you seeking advice, I merely want to relate a recent experience which may assist younger, less hardened (thick skinned!) refs. Coaches.  What can be done with them?  I refereed a practise match in which the away team won quite convincingly.  At the end of the game all the players, home and visiting, were very complimentary about my performance.  As I walked into the changing room area, basking in the after glow of the players' comments I saw the visiting (winning) coach.  As I approached, not expecting anything other than a curt 'thanks ref' or something similar, was most surprised when he turned to the side and avoided any form of contact.  Later on, as I was putting my stuff in the car he came across and started to talk.  'I don't suppose you've refereed much 15 a side rugby' he said.  'Why did you let them spoil our ball?  Too surprised for me to reply immediately he was able to continue.  'Why did you let them convert that maul they had, near our line, into a ruck?  I'm a qualified ref too', he said, 'You should know very well that they are not allowed todo that!  Realising that I was facing a complete ignoramus I attempted to correct him by my superior knowledge of the Laws.  What a waste of time!  He then quoted other examples of my faulty Law knowledge, each one of which was complete bollocks.  The man was obviously an idiot.  Having been very polite (I tried to follow the advice 'Least said, soonest mended') I just walked away and went to seek saner company in the bar.  Incidents like this could easily put off many, less hairy - arsed individuals like myself.  Something needs to be done about such characters.  Any suggestions?
P. Stoffed

Dear Mr Stoffed
I know you haven't asked for advice, but I'm going to give you some. You are far too nice! I know that we are supposed to accept all sorts of crap from anyone and everyone, but I think there are times when we should respond - to preserve our own sanity and to let these pillocks know that they can't just rant and rave with impunity. As soon as you realised you were dealing with a complete fool you should have stopped wasting any more time on him. I think you should have said a curt, 'Thanks for your advice and if you have anything further to add, write to the Secretary of my Society', and then you should have turned on your heel, gone to the bar and found some more intelligent conversation. Does anyone out there have any other views? What should be done with stupid observers?
Uncle Ben