The thing that upsets me the most (not gonna get a lot of traction on a forum like this, though).
Is that many don't see themselves as TEACHERS 1st. They see themselves as 'hype men' within a program, 1st and foremost. There are numerous programs that we as officials can readily see are there to 'win'...but they also can quickly turn off the testosterone and get back to coaching/teaching. It's a mutual respect thing.
I am positive that a particular coach who's kinda "Caveman like" wants to win every time he steps on the gridiron. But I also know that when the rubber hits the road, he (and his staff) have the understanding that what they do and react to, will directly impact the young men and women within their program.
This is true of the overwhelming majority of HS coaches that I have encountered.
But when I deal with those that see a 'game' as more than that of a 'game'. It truly concerns me as to what is going on within that program. The focus is skewed to something else. Parents/Boosters/Players/Fans all then become the mob which we as officials then have to deal with. And you wonder why we can't recruit new officials?
As much as we like to be fans of the players on a Friday night. Remember MOST of these players will be finished with athletics when the last whistle blows in a loss during the playoffs. You can count on 1 hand the number of players that have made it to the NFL in a significant manner within a 5 year period from this state.
When its all said and done, what do you want YOUR program remembered for? Success, of course. But sometimes that success comes in the form being able to reach young people and change their lives in a positive way. Victories not withstanding!