Why don't officials get respect?

[Damian]

I go to call the game. I am not there to win any friends. I can't make a fashion statement (double knit?). I don't thrive on positive feedback from coaches, players, or fans even though I often get it.

Respect is earned and it takes a long time to get it. This applies to any line of work, including coaching. I have learned to respect several coaches even though I don't particulary like them or their sytle. I their see players respond and perform extraordinary feats. I have also seen many very experienced officials that have not earned my respect and many that have.

Its not that I'm judgemental. It is just a comparison of my personality with theirs.