Why don't officials get respect?

[mplagrow]

Sorry, Bballcoach, if a group of referees beat you up when you were a kid or something. I don't think you can lump all referees together any more than you can lump all policemen together. You know why? We are individual people. It seems that it may be difficult for you to comprehend, but some of us are actually just normal people inside the black&whites. I'm not worked up or defensive, thinking that the world is out to get me so I have to wield my authority in people's faces.

I enjoy basketball. I like working with kids. I believe that my presence on the court enhances their enjoyment of the game that we all love. I have the respect of the coaches who I ref regularly and they have mine. The minute it ceases to be fun, I'll quit reffing. Peace.