I think that this article was not a slap at officials at all. It brings up some valid points about our chosen hobby. Which it is to most of us. It isn't our profession. I also agree with Rich that officials who didn't play the game can be good officials. As a former hockey player who thought basketball was for "sissies" my calls are based on the rules only. Not how I would have wanted it called when I was a player or how I used to get screwed on the same calls when I was playing. That said, I have had to work hard on trying to understand what the teams are trying to do. I never thought that was important when I started. But having a "feel for the game" is important. You don't have to have played the game, but you definitely learn by experience. I applaud the Washington State Association for mandatory classroom and on court experience before allowing new officials to blow a whistle. There are no such requirements in Minnesota. I also agree that most officials there are probably better trained than new coaches.
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