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Also remember, there are a lot of coaches out there who recognize a good job when they see one. Let me give you two examples.
Last weekend, I had a Mitey Mite game (8-9 years old, I think). Coach of one team had EVERY possible break and call go against him - they end up being shut out. But they had a great attitude - the only thing I got from the sideline all game was a very calm "May I ask a question, sir?" from time to time - with one exception. On a punt by his team the ball landed, bounced off of his player, an opponent, and was recovered by his player. My bean bag is already down, I stop the clock and signal first touching and receivers' ball. Coach says, "Hey, that should be our ball!" I say, "Coach, your player touched it first." He stands there for a second, and then says in this very 'angry' tone of voice, "Well, you know what? ... I'm wrong!" I was doubled over laughing. After the game, I complimented the staff on setting the right example for the kids.
Last night, we had a varsity game we knew would be ugly from the opening kickoff. Visiting team has been chippy all season, and the home team is pissed at being 4-3 and out of the playoffs in favor of a 3-4 team because overall record is not a selection criteria for wild-card teams. (Long story behind that one.) Coaches of both teams before the game say that they'll do everything they can to keep things under control, and they made valiant efforts. We still had a number of PFs and USCs, and one incident that nearly escalated into a bench-clearing brawl. (Note to players: Deep in the opponents' bench area is NOT a smart place to lay a late hit on someone.) But we didn't have to toss anyone, mostly because we were talking to kids constantly and hustling to stand between them whenever things started getting a bit chippy. And after the game, both coaches said that they thought all the flags were warranted and that they appreciated our hard work in keeping the game under control.
Coaches like these make up for the next 10 obnoxious ones you see. And at the end of the game, all you have to ask yourself is this: Did you do the best job that you know how? Did you learn something new? If the answer to both questions is yes, go home and rest easy.
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