They're some of the most important people of a sporting event.

Yet, they get the blame for a team's loss, even if it's not their fault.

I'm not talking about the starting pitcher, quarterback, or point guard. I'm talking about the referees and umpires who officiate these sporting events. Games could not be played fairly without them. Yet coaches, players and parents sometimes show them an extreme lack of respect.

You see it all the time on television, coaches and players verbally, sometimes physically, assaulting the officials. Whether it be one little call, or a series of mistakes, the athletes seem to lose their cool and make fools of themselves.