[JRutledge]

As a football official the wings have an extensive opportunity to interact with coaches and as a result I think football officials take more "crap" because often the complaints are about things that official is not involved in. Also the conversation can only last so long as the next play is soon to start.

Basketball officials cannot pass the buck on discussions as easily. We are all involved in many of the same plays and see what a coach is talking about. Also we can hear more of the complaints from coaches. But the problem is there is little time to have much of a discussion about anything. I think officials have to come up with ways to diffuse the conflict sooner as we might only have a couple of seconds to respond.

Baseball umpires do not have to deal with most conflict until there is a problem and a dead ball. And then umpires get the chance to have an extensive conversation with a coach and give an extensive explanation.

The structure of these sports is the reasons there are different approaches. I have learned from each how to deal in my other sports. I do not think one is better than the other, they are just different.

Peace