Why is this? Plain and simple... we no longer understand authority positions or hold respect for those in these positions. We live in an age where everyone believes they are an expert and because they disagree with a call believe that justice is only served when their opinion is agreed with and will manipulate and abuse to get there way.
Respect for authority positions in sport simply means to follow the rules in place for the game and as well as the official's interpretation of those rules because of their position. This doesn't mean that an officials interpretation is always correct or that it is not possible that they are wrong. Sportspeople are to honor the official's call because they have been placed in that position as an authority over the game to ensure the rules are being followed as best they can determine by their interpretation and that sportsmanship is followed.
Often times people respond back to this concept stating that officials tend to develop biases towards teams, players, and coaches and use this as an excuse to justify their behavior. My question to you is why did the officials develop these biases? My guess is because you never respected their position or interpretations in the first place and that you always acted in a manner to abuse or manipulate officials to try to change their calls. It has been my experience that officials develop biases for a reason and it is typically towards those who always complain or berate officials because of a disagreement in their interpretation of the rules. If you need a clear visual of this in action, take a look at the movie "Hoosiers" and observe Coach Dale's relationship with officials throughout the movie.
You may ask why were are to respect the officials and recognize them as the authority over the sporting competition. A biblical understanding of how to treat authority is given in Romans 13:1-5 and is very clear.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience."
God clearly created positions of authority for a purpose and to honor them is a direct instruction given to us who follow Him. He also says that there are consequences for when those in authority are not respected for their position and ruling. In sport, the result is most likely an official who develops a bias towards those in competition who constantly disrespect them and their interpretations. It is clear that we are held to higher standards when it comes to honoring positions of authority. This is not much different than honoring our mother and father.
In the book Born to play! authors Daniels and Wier suggest that instead of attempting to manipulate or intimidate officials to get the call we would like, we are to help officials be the best they can be. They also state that it isn't wrong to disagree or become frustrated with a call but we are not to allow those emotions to determine how we interact with officials. What does this look like?
I would suggest that when a call is made that is disagreed with that instead of reacting out of emotional disagreement, to respectfully ask the official why the call was made and what his interpretation is. This does a couple of things. First, you are staying calm and asking the official for his expertise in the situation. Most likely you will receive a reasonable explanation in return. What this also does is subconsciously cause the official to rethink the situation and possibly see if there is a better interpretation for a future call in the same situation. It allows him to develop and improve his abilities. It also allows you to see firsthand how that official calls the game because each one is different.
I also don't think it is wrong to express a disagreement with an official when a call is blatantly inappropriate or for the safety of the players in the game. However, the approach in stating your position should not be done emotionally or in a manner that chastises or degrades the official. This also lets the official know that I respect your position but here are my concerns.
It is important to remember that because of brokenness in our world due to sin, that just as we are imperfect and make mistakes, so will officials. This is just a part of the cycle. Instead of looking for perfection in an official, look for consistency. There is a tremendous difference between the two and when you move your expectations from perfection to consistency it will help mold your approach to officials.
