To some degree I agree with you. I am not a fan of the of wearing any patch or flag, even though I'm as patriotic as anyone. I also am not a fan of a different whistle even though I wore a Livestrong band for many years.

However, I absolutely disagree that the game is all about the players. I never quite understood when people say that the best games are the ones where no one knows who the officials were. We are out there to make the tough calls whether we like it or not.

I think it was Ed Hightower who said, "Be in control of the game without controlling the game". Words to ref by.

That's not what the phrase means, and those who think it does are the ones giving the statement a black eye (so to speak).

The statement deserves a black eye. It's usually trotted out by coaches who would prefer we swallow our whistles rather than make a tough call (against their team).

The game belongs to all of us. I'm not playing, but the game doesn't happen without officials.

Of course, I agree with what mj says, too:

"One of the really wrong theories about officiating is that a good official is one you never notice. The umpire who made that statement was probably a real poor official who tried to get his paycheck and hide behind his partners and stay out of trouble all his life. Control of the ballgame is the difference between umpires that show up for the players and the managers." - National League Umpire Bruce Froemming