better question, why does the ref have an extra whistle to throw at a coach? Sounds like you are anticipating making questionable calls. Try throwing a rulebook next time and that might get the coach to shut up.

1. Need more refs
2. Coaches/parents should not verbally abuse refs
3. Refs get thicker skin (expectation to have calls questioned and some yelling)
4. Refs actually read the rulebook and know what calls to make.

I've coached all over the country--IL, WI, NV, WA--and the reffing in Seattle Metro is worse than I've seen HS kids volunteer ref at a Sunday youth tourney. The kids work too hard to have a ref come in and be unprepared/unknowledgeable.

Don't be sorry, just be better.