[I'msureofit]

have a general idea per season if I'm high or low. It's really just a barometer to me of how the players and coaches have been in a given year; and, whether rules changes should be looked at for the next year. Bottom line, I really don't care about a specific amount but whether the circumstances behind a T were justified.

Of course the unquestionable T's mentioned in this thread that are of flagrant nature get the immmediate T without warning. I even used to give no warnings on certain language but this year I have started giving warnings that aid justifying the T the next time around. One more lesson learned.

I've been in this youth rec league for about 10 years. The respectful treatment of officials by player and coaches are well stated within the league rules. However, we all know that inevitably competition will overide peoples judgement even in a league where we're attempting to teach the game and the sportsmanship of it. In those ten years, my reputation of take no crap precedes me. Coaches and players alike know that I'm not hesitant to whack em; not that it will always stop em'. My partners, on the other hand, tend to very hesitant whether their experienced or not. Only three or four other officals out of 17 have the same philosphy that if you try me, I will do it. We have one guy who is proud of the fact that he has only 3 T's in seven years. He thinks it's enough to speak authoritatvely. Means nothing unless they think you will whack em'- -you may as well have a weak whistle and voice when you sell your tough calls as well. It might make me look like a hardass sometimes but I could care a less. It's about respect for the game and the official and the T, when used correctly, gets just that, regardless of how many you've called.