very interesting. I officiated rec leagues in college and a lot in grad school and I've seen my fair share of irate fans and coaches, so I can't even fathom what you've seen. I even had to get escorted out of a gym one time for the call I made (well didn't make) at the end of a game. The coach who didn't get the call said I made the right call, but all the fans were irate. I remember as they walked me through the hallway, the hallway fell silent and everyone stared me down. I honestly laughed at it, but it made me realize how crazy people probably go after professional officials. I have always felt like at least in football and basketball refs take WAY too much heat and I would say that they call fairly good games 99% of the time. Fans just get caught up in the moment and it's all they can hang their hat on. Football has gotten tougher to officiate I think with the increase in power and speed coupled with all the new rules for "safety". I rarely, if ever complain about the refs or put a loss on their shoulders. I'm interested to see where this blog goes especially if this site can take off like it should. Fans just love to blame referees and I'd love to see your input when fans start putting losses on the heads of the men in stripes.
Good stuff. Not sure I agree with you about the overall quality of officiating at the highest levels of college basketball, especially out west, but it was interesting reading.
Thanks for comments all. GT: country primarily. Outlaw, roots, americana--whatever you want to call it. Play a lot of Haggard, Waylon, Cash, etc. Really like Robert Earl Keen and Townes Van Zandt. I'll do some Strait, Garth, Alabama, and the like as well. Will throw in others, depending on the crowd, from Journey to Buffett to Van Morrison or whatever else. It's a great time. Hat: would have agreed with you before I started. I've always been pretty harsh on them, think they're worked too much, work too many older guys that aren't athletic enough to keep up, and I abhor some of their philosophies of officiating--especially those that try to regulate the physicality out of the game. Haven't seen enough games the last few years to differentiate between regions, but I've been pretty impressed with the decision making ability of the crews i've paid close attention to. vfb: glad you can relate. I'll try to chime in with some anecdotes or insight when applicable this season.
