So, you’re charged by a larger issue at hand? I can relate, and totally understand.
What bothers me is this and I take it personally because I’ve worked very hard to become a better official.
There is a misconception that we as officials have to get every call perfect. It’s impossible.
There is a misconception that we as officials miss calls on purpose. Not true in this case or ever.
I’ve been around the game since I was on the sidelines at Hancock in 1974 for the ESL - GBN game. I’ve been in all aspects of the game except as a player - parent, coach, writer, fan, and now an official.
Being an official is hard. The players even at the HS level are incredibly skilled. Big, fast and talented.
I go into every game (I’m a back judge) with my keys in mind - knowing what to look at and for. And I miss things. I try and see it all, and my crew does the same.
So where my frustration lies is when people who get the benefit of watching a replay 3x want to point the finger at us.
We get one nano second to make a call. It’s based on experience and what we see at that very moment. I hate the word judgement but that’s truly what it is.
When I mention that everyone should sit through a clinic, they should. It would blow your mind how we watch film. How we break down rules and interpret them.
So yah, I get irritated by it and many items so too. It chases away guys that are really good at this because they simply don’t wanna put up with it any longer.
This year alone, I was followed out to my car after a game - had the hood of my umpires car pounded on. And that was by the fans of the team that won.
But I love doing this. I won’t stop until I’m physically unable to do it. You have to love it or you won’t survive