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Show Officials 'blow the whistle' Cocahes are the greatest obstacle to good sportsmanship, according to members of the National ' Association of Sports Officials. . While attending their national convention here this week, sports officials were questioned on professional sports are primarily forms of entertainment, and 55 percent consider them both entertainment and competition. "The officials would like to be viewed as dedicated individuals who love sports and can teach others the values of sportsmanship. However, the vast majority of respondents (90 percent) do not feel the American public understands their role as officials," Pollock said. sportsmanship, officiating and a variety of sports-related topics in a survey commissioned by Miller Brewing Co. According to the Miller lite Sports Officials Survey, more than 60 percent of officials believe the demeanor of coaches is a major impediment to good sportsmanship and 50 percent are personally disturbed by the behavior of coaches and other bench personnel. The negative influence of coaches far outweighs the influence of parents and fans. Coaches' misbehavior is viewed as far more disturbing than athletes fighting among themselves or with officials. The study was conducted by two noted researchers, Dr. John Pollock and Dr. Lawrence Falkowski. Of the 250 amateur and professional officials attending the convention, 92 percent participated in the benchmark study. It is a follow-up to the Miller Lite Report on American Attitudes Toward Sports. Published last year, the report is the most comprehensive sports survey ever completed. A majority of officials (54 percent) are convinced athletes have an obligation to be moral role models for the community. Eight out of ten officials (79 percent) firmly believe the use of drugs, to increase body weight or strength, should never be allowed. The majority (53 percent) of respondents, however, do not believe athletes need to be tested before games. Less than one out of ten officials (9 percent) believe professional sports on television are true athletic competition. One-third think |
