[MD Longhorn]

I agree there are more problems at PeeWee than higher levels, although I'd say in my area it's more fan related than coach related. I've never had one come anywhere near threatening, though. The local board came down hard after a particularly noisy (and non-fun) week a few weeks ago. We now start every game by getting the coaches together and giving them "the speech".

"Coach - you are the only one who can discuss calls we make or don't make with an official. If any of the other coaches make complaints or derogatory remarks, its 15 yards, no questions asked. If your fans get even marginally unruly, its 15 yards. If we have to throw 2 flags for this in the game, we'll clear your sideline and the fans can watch from their cars." Also - there's been a board member at each game since then to back us up and help us enforce that if necessary. It's been a much healthier and much more enjoyable game the 3 weeks since then.

At the higher levels, even starting in 7th grade, it's much better (although with the fans physically separated from us up in the stands, that's probably a good part of the reason). I do remember one fan on my side getting completely out of hand with the yelling, and the coach leans over in my ear and says, "Don't worry son, I'll send him a rulebook first thing in the morning." Got a grin from me.