Clay- Like any sport, hobby, career, or group I you will find some egos, but I don't think there are any bad refs, just zebras who are still getting seasoned and need experience. It may seem like some guys "have never bad a bad call", because I think a lot of these situations are hard to discuss since we cannot see them. All we can do is speculate. Like the kid who had the offensive player take out two defenders. Without seeing the play, it is presumptuous to say it definitely was block, charge, or no call. The defenders may have had position, they might not have. There are so many things that go into that play one cannot begin to hope to know them all. We can only give him advice on how to see the play next time to make the right call. That is the beauty of being a 1st year official, you get to learn from your experience and that of your partners. I know there are plays I call differently now than 5, 6, 7, and even 1 year ago.
On the current subject; the whole flagrant T is such a tough situation to call, because of the penalty. Like Bart said, so much of the call is intent and circumstance. My opinion was based on if they wound up or threw the rock with some intent and velocity. If there was no ill intent or if it was just a frustration flick, save yourself the paperwork and hit him/her with only one T. You should be able to recognize the difference, and they get the message. Plus, more than likely the coach will get his pound of flesh next practice. It is a very big penalty to a player and a team to flagrant T a player; you have to make sure you can back your call up. I have no problem booting a player or a coach, but I make damn sure it is the right call and Im not just reaching for it on emotion. Your profile doesnt mention how long you have donned the stripes, but that is something I have learned over the years.
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