I know a few of the referees on here have mentioned a bit of this - didn't realize things were this bleak.Having said that, watching/listening to fan behavior at various sports would make me think twice about picking up my whistle if i was an active ref.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/arti.../low-pay-no-respect-who-wants-to-be-a-referee
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/arti.../low-pay-no-respect-who-wants-to-be-a-referee