Are Officials Really Public Enemy # 1?

There is no figure in the world of sports more despicable to fans than the referee. A close second would be the security guard responsible for escorting disorderly fans from their seat to the parking lot. The main difference being fans typically respect law enforcement, as they might actually need their help one day.

Fans have zero reason to like or behave themselves around officials, much less show any level of respect towards them. Some fans believe that officials step on the floor with an agenda and detailed plan on how to swindle their team out of victory. What they do not realize is this would be like the student who works harder to try and get out of an assignment, than if they would have just completed the assignment. Nonetheless, fans should understand tickets only grant you entry into the contest and are not a guarantee that you get to stay for the entire show. A ticket is not a free pass or open license for you to berate officials, opposing fans, or players. In case you were wondering, refunds are not issued to those that are asked to leave.

Having uncontrollable fans removed from a high school basketball game used to be rare. This has now become common place. Just last week an entire section was removed from a playoff contest, so be very careful when choosing your seat. Most officials allow school administrators the opportunity to manage their fans. However, if they choose to do nothing and place your fate at the hands of an official, you are likely leaving with NO warning. After all, I don’t recall a fan ever warning me or any other official that they were about to lose their mind.

A good friend of mine was headed to a game this season when he was pulled over for having an expired tag. The trooper actually recognized this official (who has been calling for more than 35 years) and had seen him call a few times. The officer was kind enough to issue only a warning, stating “There is no way I can give a ticket to someone folks hate even more than law enforcement!”

My advice to fans is to try and be on your best behavior this weekend. I anticipate most venues hosting playoff games will have zero tolerance for senseless behavior...
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