Well.....I finally got one

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by rwest

You are operating under the delusion that it is a reciprocal street. It's not. It's a one way street. The coaches can make all the coaching errors they want. However, we can not make any!

You are operating under the delusion that I'm delusional about it being a two-way street.

However, the respect is a two-way street. I respect coaches. I may not like them, and they may not like me. There are teams that I don't like. There are teams that I can barely stand. There are players that I downright loathe. There are games that I work that, upon my arrival, a part of me groans when I see who is playing whom.

However, at the start of each new game, each team has my respect. By that, I mean that I will speak to them respectfully. I will not speak down to them by addressing men as "son" or "boy," or by addressing women as "honey," "sweetie, or darlin'." I will, regardless of any history, give each participant a "fresh start." I will do everything in my power as a human being (flawed as I may be) to not allow any past or current grievances to unduly influence my judgment or rule interpretations.

I am a professional.

I expect and demand the same from the teams. If the participants of the game do not afford me the same respect I give to them, then the game breaks down, and I will do what I can to preserve the integrity of the game. If that means that players or coaches must leave, then so be it.

The bottom line is: if you respect my role in the game, I will extend you the same respect.