Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents on this topic, as I have had some experience on both sides of the mat, as a coach and an official.

When I first started officiating, I was somewhat overwhelmed with how complicated this sport had become. I mean, afterall, I had wrestled and coached for years and thought I new the sport well, how difficult can it be. I discovered very quickly its not easy and my first year or two was tough. And I made mistakes - and was certainly told about them. Sometimes respectfully, often times not. And many times I got so tired of coaches and parents in my face, I swore I would not do this again.

Think about it - when you're a coach or a wrestler, your only concerned about the match you are currently in and the calls associated with that match. Officials have to learn (and I stress 'learn') many scenarios, all calls, judgements, situations, etc that could possibly happen in any given match. Not an easy thing to do. It takes time to get better and more comfortable and confident in your calls.

What certainly helps in this process is understanding from the coaches (and parents) that this is a new official and they are learning (just like your son or daughter may be). Officials are going to make mistakes, young ones especially. But they will get better. Much like our sport in general, you don't get better unless you are on the mat honing your skills. No different with officials. We, as coaches and parents, have a responsibility to encourage our young officials by being respectful, understanding they do make mistakes, try to point out to them where you disagree, discuss it, and appreciate that they have a very tough job. Even the experienced officials make calls that not everyone will agree with. Imagine the pressure on a young official, still trying to learn, and a parent or coach is yelling at them. Then we wonder why its so hard to find good officials. Well, we may have had them, but we scared them away.

So next time you are really frustrated with the officiating, as a parent or coach, grap a striped shirt and step out on the might and give it a try yourself. You just might gain a little different perspective.

My 2 cents, for what its worth.