http://whotv.com/2017/02/23/referee-shortage-nears-crisis-in-iowa/
I think a lot of people's attitudes are that yelling at referees is just part of going to a game. We laugh at coaches like Bobby Knight or Larry Eustachy when they lose their minds and go off on the refs. I think a lot of refs take being yelled at from the stands in stride but when you hear stories of guys being followed out to their cars or being cornered in a gym and basically being assaulted it's no wonder there is a shortage. I've done a little refing at a youth level and didn't take much grief but it's hard not to take it somewhat personal. Who wants to put up with that crap and not get paid very much? People take sports waaaay too serious especially when they're kid is playing. Most of the time the kid is embarrassed by their parent but the worst part is the message they are sending their kids.
I think a lot of people's attitudes are that yelling at referees is just part of going to a game. We laugh at coaches like Bobby Knight or Larry Eustachy when they lose their minds and go off on the refs. I think a lot of refs take being yelled at from the stands in stride but when you hear stories of guys being followed out to their cars or being cornered in a gym and basically being assaulted it's no wonder there is a shortage. I've done a little refing at a youth level and didn't take much grief but it's hard not to take it somewhat personal. Who wants to put up with that crap and not get paid very much? People take sports waaaay too serious especially when they're kid is playing. Most of the time the kid is embarrassed by their parent but the worst part is the message they are sending their kids.