Let me be perfectly clear about this (lots of politicians use that phrase these days), I’m a fan of referees — for the most part.

Those folks take a lot of abuse during a 90-minute span trying to control the chaos that is high school sports.

Imagine a recruiting ad for sports officials: Wanted, thick-skinned individuals able to think on their feet while dragging their bodies up and down a playing field or arena. Applicants must be agreeable with basic two-tone uniform fashions.

Hard of hearing encouraged to apply.

Must love the sound of a whistle and be adept at ignoring insults and constant questions about your eyesight.

Low pay, willingness to travel throughout Montana in all weather conditions.

Might not get many applicants, right?

There is a perpetual shortage of referees and umpires in this state and, I suspect, states throughout the union.

Crazed parents have cold-cocked officials over their interpretation of a “bad call.” Those individuals should be banned from sporting events for life, after they serve time in the iron bar hotel for assault.

Some refs, like large segments of the human population, do probably stink. Who would like to be reminded of that every time they go to work.

Occasional temper tampers from upset coaches, players and fans would be just part of a night at the office.

I don’t think they stink and I really appreciate the fact that there are people out there who are willing to submit to abuse like that.

Hats off to the men and women in black and white.

Most of them.

Here’s my complaint (you knew that was coming, right?: A referee should referee and not alter the outcome or course of a sporting contest.

Seems to me that more and more there is usually that one ref out of three person crews who loves the sound of the pea rolling around in the whistle a little too much.

Probably the kind of folks who as kids got downright giddy over the whistle sound coming from Grandma’s tea kettle. Loved the sound of air leaking out of a soon-to-be flat tire.

The problem is the fascination with the whistle, and the yellow flag in football or the red card in soccer, changes the tempo of games.

At most gyms these days, there are signs that read, to the effect: “let the players play, the coaches coach and the officials officiate”.

Another line could be, “let them play”.

Period.

And lest you think that is a horrible slam at these dedicated folks, I can tell you I tried being a football ref several decades ago. The thought was I know the game, played it, coached it, now I want to don the “zebra” colors.

It was a bad idea on my part.

I don’t have the temperament for bartending, much less listening to coaches wine and parents question my sanity.

Without refs and umps, the games would dissolve into mayhem. You want that, go see a WWF match.

But when one ref on a power trip takes over the game and alters the course or outcome, it’s time to consider doing what I did.

Find something else to do!