[mnref14]

Coach and Fellow Officials -

My main point is and was this: When a coach states to you - "Clean it up, I don't want to see anyone get hurt." It seems to me that the coach is insinuating that I, as an official, don't care if anyone gets hurt. That is nonsense.

I'll even be more honest here, in High School Girls Basketball often and Boys as well - sometimes the play can be clumsy - 2 or more players will be fighting over loose balls - tie-ups, etc. Often times someone in that pile-up may come up hurt - its not necessarily a foul - its awkward, gangly players being awkward and gangly. 9 times out of 10 you'll either have a Coach or a loving Father in the stands lose their cool. Its not the referee's fault, don't place the blame on us; none of us will let purposely harmful players get away with dirty, cheap fouls.

I've been reading this board for a week, and a lot of officials' here are working 7th and 8th grade ball - fans, coaches, and officials at these games need to realize, that despite a ref's best efforts - these games can easily become a Train Wreck. Games at this level are often times tougher to work than the College games I work, players at that age are often out of control and coaches may be coaching at that level just to fill a spot. I admire you men and women who are willing to work hard at getting better at your craft and give these kids a good game - keep up the good work, no matter how unappreciated you are!!!