Should players and coaches be fined for critisizing officials?

[DeltaSigStan]

I think it's BS that players and coaches aren't allowed to complain after games without being fined. I realize pro-sports is not a democracy, but I've seen many a referee screw-up, and I think they should be able to be called on it, just as long as they don;t insult these officlas outside the realm of their performance on the field.

In other words:

1) This ref is a **** and I hope he *** *** - NO

2) "This ref made terrible calls, his sense of the game is atrocious" - YES

[Lady Pi Phi]

See, I kind of agree with you. I think players/coaches should be able to voice their opinions on certain calls in a civilized matter without being fined. But on the other hand, what good will it do? The officials NEVER, EVER change their call.
But teams have captains and assistant captains for that. They are supposed to be the only ones who can speak to the official.

[DeltAlum]

My minority report would be this.

>Officials are right many more times that they are wrong.
>Name calling gets out of hand in a hurry. Even physical.
>Most leagues have a supervisor of officials who is in charge of checking complaints, etc. and critiqing crews.
>If an official screws up too often she/he is history.
>A lot of coachs really like to hear themselves talk.
>Some players can't put a complete thought together.
>Sports only gets a few minutes on the news -- there wouldn't be time for all of the sound bites.

Seriously, an official really has to have the final word, and again, if he/she makes too many mistakes, they simply will be gone.

[CSUSigEp]

No. What is this, communism?

[DeltAlum]

No. It's worse. It's sports.