While sitting in the luxery of my sweet in St. Louis watching the NCAA National Championships this year I noticed something interesting to me. I saw Division I coaches at the end of matches running to the center of the mat disputing calls by officials. I also saw coaches questioning judgement, pleading their cases for the THEIR ATHLETE, and when it did not go their way giving the referee his opinion on what he thought of the call (Sometimes not so nice words).

Where am I going with this? Well, I know as a coach I have went to the table several times to ask a referee about a call. I have went as Mr. Nice Guy, Mr. Pissed Off Guy, Mr. Frustrated Guy, Mr. Confused Guy, Mr. Know I Am Right Guy, etc. I would have to say that in 85% of those visits the conversation ended in this comment by a referee...... "Coach, are you questioning my judgement?" To which I usually had one of three replies...."No I just want some clarification"... "Why, Yes I Am".... or "No, I just think you missed that one".

I would have to say 85% or more of those ended in me getting a "Warning or Team Point taken away....

Here is my question... Why is it a problem for me or any of us as coaches to go to a referee and ask, question him, and judge him. Our job as coaches is to teach our kids, protect out kids, and defend our kids. So why can't I go to a referee when I think he missed a call that might of cost my athlete a match and question him and judge him?

I see football coaches go flat our irrate and crazy on some referees. I see baseball coaches go competely insane on umpires. Why can't a wrestling official just take the heat a little from a coach and move on without a warning or team point being taken?

I umpire college baseball as a side job. I have been called everything in the book from coaches and players at times and was right or wrong 50% of the time. But if I go to a wrestling official and say, "You mean to tell me you did not see locked hands", or "There is no way that take-down was out of bounds" "or how do you not call stalling on that" ..85% of the time or more I am getting a warning or team point taken away????

Referee's, you have a tough tough job. You chose a tough tough job in the most intense sport in the world. However, it is good for you to be questioned. It is good for you to get a good butt chewing from a coach when you fall asleep behind the wheel "or behind the whistle". It happens.... It's not that big of a deal. It's also not personal. When we see you later in the day we don't hate you because we feel you blew a call. I know I move on after about 30 minutes of venting... When you take it personal is when your judgement becomes impaired.

So if the highest officials in the country can take butt chewings like they took in St. Louis... Why do us Kansas High School Coaches have to be warned or lose team points for "Questioning Your Judgement"?????

Have a blessed day and honestly... the sport does not take place without you and you are appreciated for what you do for so little pay!!!! Good Luck in the Off-season and I can't wait for the next season!!!!!!!