Are 'Bad Adults' to blame for referee shortages?

Apparently that is what the Michigan High School Athletic Association thinks.

“We've really got some challenges in the area of sportsmanship where our data tells us, especially the way that adults act. Coaches and adult spectators - it's really driving out some of our younger and newer officials where they work the game and they just don't want to put up with that,” said Mark Uyl, executive director elect for MHSAA.

“I think one of the challenges it just seems like people today and society in general are angrier. It just seems like some of the edge to some of that criticism that officials have to listen to just gets worse and worse,” Uyl said.

“When I started there was no YouTube or Instagram or Facebook. Now everything is criticized right down to the last second on anything that you do and that's the hardest part is knowing there's a video camera somewhere and you don't want to end up on YouTube,” Montney said.

Montney said over the years he's rarely had to eject spectators from games for bad behavior, but he believes fans at high school games in particular are becoming obscener.

Lack of sportsmanship from adults to blame for referee shortage - WNEM TV 5

How often are we seeing this type of behavior at KHSAA events? Anyone have an example?

What should be done to parents that "get out of line" or yell obscenities at high school events?

I am of the opinion that if the Referees say it is a problem, it is a problem.

Anyone?

Ive said this before, but the best thing for HS sports is to ban spectators. Make every game PPV or buy a season long pass. Only people at the games site are affiliated with the teams playing and the technology crew.

We've had a major referee shortage at the U12 soccer level this season. We've had multiple games with no referees and that really sucks for the kids.

Without question.

I can tell you that in my personal case, I'm considering not going back for that very reason. I love football as much as anybody, but it's just not worth it.

Without question.

 

I can tell you that in my personal case, I'm considering not going back for that very reason. I love football as much as anybody, but it's just not worth it.

How sad... but I understand.

How sad... but I understand.

It’s just something to think about. I expected it going in, but it was exponentially worse than what I expected. :lol2: The youth leagues were the worst, by far. You get used to it and can block most of it out, but it is absurd.

It’s just something to think about. I expected it going in, but it was exponentially worse than what I expected. :lol2: The youth leagues were the worst, by far. You get used to it and can block most of it out, but it is absurd.

IMO, league officials and refs should throw parents out more that get out of control. I'm not saying toss every parent that makes a comment but ones that go over board or even have a comment after every single play should be tossed and maybe suspended for a few games.

IMO, league officials and refs should throw parents out more that get out of control. I'm not saying toss every parent that makes a comment but ones that go over board or even have a comment after every single play should be tossed and maybe suspended for a few games.

I agree, however the problem you run into then is the idiots confronting the refs/umps and refusing to leave.

I agree, however the problem you run into then is the idiots confronting the refs/umps and refusing to leave.

That's when the league officials need to be involved, then the police if necessary. For travel teams the tournament officials need to put it on the team of the parent. Either they get the parent out or the whole team is gone.

I believe it. I know that I have been guilty of hammering the refs but I normally don’t say anything at all unless it is egregious. I know I couldn’t be a referee because I can only take so much and chances are the police would be escorting me from the game and not the parents. I don’t know how a lot of these guys do it.

I remember having to throw out the entire Middlesboro fan section from a playoff game a few years ago.

I still get hate mail for that.

I believe it. I know that I have been guilty of hammering the refs but I normally don’t say anything at all unless it is egregious. I know I couldn’t be a referee because I can only take so much and chances are the police would be escorting me from the game and not the parents. I don’t know how a lot of these guys do it.

Same here. I really don’t go to hard on refs unless they misinterpret or misapply the rules. In 20 of coaching I’ve never been tossed, hit with a PF, or tech. Are there some bad refs? Yep. But most do a decent job, and don’t deserve the abuse they get from fans, many of of which don’t know nearly as much as they think they do.

I’ve got thin skin, and rabbit ears. I’d be a terrible official.

I believe it. I know that I have been guilty of hammering the refs but I normally don’t say anything at all unless it is egregious. I know I couldn’t be a referee because I can only take so much and chances are the police would be escorting me from the game and not the parents. I don’t know how a lot of these guys do it.

1. I've seen you get on the officials a couple times. I wouldn't have an issue with any of that.

2. I'd pay good money to watch you officiate and react to those in the crowd. :lol2: :lol2:

That's when the league officials need to be involved, then the police if necessary. For travel teams the tournament officials need to put it on the team of the parent. Either they get the parent out or the whole team is gone.

I agree. Start tossing people more frequently and that fixes a lot of it.