This is exactly the type of thing that undermines officials in all sports and at all levels. When an official makes an "unpopular" call (but an absolutely correct one) and the governing body does not back them up, or worse, punishes them for it (see Ted Valentine, see also Phil Luckett, NFL), it sends a clear message to coaches, players, and fans.
That message - that if their own governing body doesn't respect them enough to back them up, why should we show them any respect.
It is interesting that this behavious has not escaped the attention of non-officials. My brother who is in graduate school in Duqesne University is doing a rather unique thesis paper. I'm interested to get feedback from other officials so I will post info about it in the general forum.
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