Paul Stewart: Power, Corruption and Abuse Take on Many Forms

The story of Brandon

I experienced the underside of the bus as an official at levels from Mite A all the way up to the Show. I hung it up in my early 60's. And I'll tell you I did not quit, I retired. But I will also tell you that going under the bus was a major reason why.

Paul, very well written. And I think you nailed exactly why people don't want to be officials; you are at the bottom of the food chain, and people only pay attention to you when they're upset with you. If I could jump right in to an AHL/NHL official role that would serve as my career profession, yes I would do it. But having to sacrifice time to officiate local games for a few bucks and dealing with all that nonsense? No, I'd rather not. I don't have a solution, sadly. It seems there needs to be some changes from the top on down, and that doesn't seem likely.

And Paul is correct--this affects referees and officials in ALL sports. I could write books about horrible things I've heard that happen to officials before/during/after games. I have a pretty thick skin and enjoy working soccer and basketball games. But if someone ever physically or verbally attacked my family, I'd be done.
Paul lays out EXACTLY what officials do. Those who want to reach as high a level as possible sacrifice time away from their friends and family and put up with immeasurable criticism and abuse from general fans.... Dont forget....without the officials, the kids dont have a game!