In regard to the referees being on strike, it's a tough job. I have no idea what the current controversy is but I'd say cut them some slack. I joined the association and refereed basketball games while a college student. Back then (way back then), I made about $5 a game. It's very professional; you just don't show up with a whistle and start calling games. You attend meetings to stay abreast of rule changes, call a set number of scrimmages for free, then start out as an apprentice under a more seasoned ref and work your way up. After getting cursed, threatened, and escorted out of the gym by deputies, I decided it wasn't worth it. But then again, maybe I just wasn't very good at it.