Syracuse, N.Y. — Matt Palumb has witnessed the angry outbursts. He's noted the gestures, the twisted faces, the incessant, sometimes profane patter. Those same explosions saturate the sports spectrum. Palumb can cite evidence from his 11-year-old son's games to the elite levels of college lacrosse.
"That's where I'd love to give the mom or dad the whistle. Give it a try!" Palumb said. "You're not going to believe how easy this is! Here! Try it!"
Palumb is a referee with a particular pedigree. He won three national championships, including the vacated 1990 title, as Syracuse University's starting lacrosse goalie.