Give the Refs a Break

If you have ever been to a hockey game, you will notice that the refs get booed when they take the ice before every period. This made me think of how unfairly most referees and umpires are treated. If they make a mistake, they are subjected to the anger of the fans, players, and coaches alike. They regularly hear insults and taunts, and may occassionally have objects thrown at them.
What fans need to remember is that referees make the correct call virually 99% of the time. If they make a bad call every now and then, it's just a mistake, and they feel just as bad about it as the fans that get angry. They have to make tough decisions and calls on plays transpire in a fraction of a second. They see things that the average human would never spot. Also keep in mind that unlike the players, the officials do not get to rest until the game is over. The hockey refs have to stay on the ice all 60 minutes, while the players change shifts every 90 seconds or so. In baseball, the umpires have to stay on the field the entire game without sitting down. Imagine being a home plate umpire and having to stand for three hours in full gear in 95 degree heat. These conditions are hardly worth the low salaries that they make. Next time you think about getting on a referee, keep this in mind.