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Jon Bible once said, "Perception is reality". In umpiring I tend to agree (most of the time). While I disagree with blackballing, and it is NOT condoned in my part of the midwest, if I perceive a coach has a problem with me working his games, more often than not I will choose not to work for him. Unfortunately, his problems with me, whatever their origin, will lead to the perception by his team that for whatever reason I am not the guy for the job. The younger the players, the more pronounced the influence the coach has on them. Young players hearing a coach say, "This guy is terrible" can usually be seen nodding their heads. Older players are more apt to be able to consider the source of the remark, and if they think their coach is a jerk they may not support his stand. I don't run from trouble, but I have given up assignments for the sake of The Game. I don't need the hassles, and neither do the competitors.
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JJ
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