In general...
 

...are you more or less critical of coaches and players -- not specifcally the ones in your games, but overall -- since you took up officiating?

(I was going to put "fans" in that mix, but I think I already know the answer.)

Critical in what sense?

Performance, mostly. Does the fanboy in you still come out, or are you more patient with your teams that aren't playing to potential?

All officiating has done has made me less tolerant of whining about calls. Other than that if a player stinks they stink. If they are good they are good in my mind.

Peace

I guess more critical...too many people use officiating as a scapegoat and I've gotten away from that line of thinking since I started officiating.

+1

It's made me more critical of television announcers. :)

I just hope my mother was wrong about my eyes sticking up there when I roll them.

+1

In general, I'm more critical of stupid questions on officiating discussion forums since I took up officiating. :D

I find myself 'cheering' less and analyzing more.
Although, I DO find that I am more appreciative of "creative hecklers" and less appreciative or aware of the typical heckler.

My fanboy persona comes out every time my alma mater plays. Can't help it.

When I see an official (in any sport) miss a call I focus on and try to analyze why he missed the call instead of the missed call itself.

Great idea. We can always be learning, if we set our minds to it.

This is my response as well.

I can't really picture you being less critical of stupid questions, even before you started officiating. . . :p

do you ref at your alma mater?

Great question. I appreciate the effort coaches put into the game and understand their emotions a lot more. The same with players, especially with the older players as they learn the game.

+ 2. For example. Last night attending a local semi-pro baseball game with my family. Questionable call @ 1st base results in batter and base coach both ejected from game. I notice my spouse appluading along with other home teams fans. (home team playera and coach ejected). I asked her why she is condoning unsporting behavior. She of course had no good answer, and I gave my opinion on the subject. I got the "rolling of the eyes" and I let it drop.