[theboys]

Well, dang, I'm sorry this thread wasn't more legitimate, because in my rules education that really started a couple of years ago, I'll tell you why I think the disrespect exists:

1. Refs don't care about the outcome of the game, but fans do, especially when Junior or Juniorette is involved. Passion and bias ultimately lead to looking for scapegoats. Refs are easy targets.

2. As has been often mentioned, fans and coaches don't know the rules like refs. Basketball rules can be complex (e.g., over and back - dribbling vs. not dribbling) and, maybe, inconsistent (e.g., a travel by a person with the ball when the ball is live isn't a travel by the same person when throwing the ball in). As you know, fans don't read the rules, so don't understand the nuances.

3. Fans watch the ball. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a play on film, and realized I was wrong when I complained when I saw the play live because I was focused on the ball, and not was happening around the ball.

4. Judgment and perspective. Some refs call it tight, some don't. Some refs put up with a lot, some don't. A hand check up top isn't treated the same as a box out underneath.

Of course, you don't deserve the disrespect. As officials, your main recourse is to actively pursue opportunities to educate fans and coaches. Require mini-clinics before seasons start.