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It's nice to see that I'm not the only official who fires back at the fans from time to time. My most recent was last night. Crew arrives at the gym an hour and 15 minutes prior to game time, only to learn that the J.V. officials had not appeared. Coach pleads with us to work the J.V. game, which is now 30 minutes behind schedule. One partner tells him that his knees won't make it through two games; the other says his back won't make it (both in their mid-50's). I tell coach that I'll do it alone (52 with an artificial hip; I'm the one who REALLY needs the warm-up time). Anyway, I do the J.V. game by myself. No incidents except for a tech on a kid who pushes another kid on a dead ball.
Now go on to the varsity. Visitors are much better, and are up 25 as time is running out in the first half. Home #12 jumps to throw a pass, comes down "funny" on his leg, and twists his knee. Time expires. As we are leaving, elderly fan (#12's grandfather) starts blasting us. I always feel badly when a kid gets hurt, and when grandpa starts to pile on. . .let's just say I had heard enough. I stop, go back toward the bleachers, and look up at him. "I'm sorry, sir, I didn't quite hear that. Is there something you'd like to say?" Silence. "C'mon sir, you can't embarrass yourself more than you already have. Speak up, and give me a reason to have this nice officer escort you to the parking lot." More silence. I swear, I was so angry that if the guy had been standing in front of me, I might have punched him. I wish I could control myself better in those situations.
One day, fans are going to realize that they are going to destroy the game. Officials will tire of the abuse, and there will be no one left to work the games. Just once, I'd love to take my crew and walk off the floor when the fans are going over the line. But that wouldn't be fair to the kids, and the game is about them. I can still dream, however. . . .
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