work the refs

verb2

1. •
   To attempt to persuade the referee or other officials to view the players on one's team with a sympathetic bias.

   • You should also work the refs during pregame warmups, telling them how hard your players work on blocking out in practice and hope that the refs give your players a fair chance. — 1996
2. •
   To manipulate the press to view one's candidate favorably and to report negative stories on one's opponent.

   • Slater said that Bush would charm reporters in an attempt to "work the refs" much like a basketball coach will try to cajole and hassle referees in order to influence calls. — 2006