"A former wrestling official chronicles the decline of sportsmanship in amateur and professional athletics in this nonfiction book. The author convincingly makes the case that sportsmanship is in a general decline, and that the consequences, especially for younger fans who idolize their athletic heroes, are worthy of concern...for sports aficionados interested in this genuinely important issue, the author’s treatment is edifying. A thorough, frank, and enlightening assessment of a growing problem in the sports world."
─Kirkus Reviews
"Bob West’s memoir–cum–sports diatribe Rage on the Field bemoans declining sportsmanship at youth and professional levels. Championing civility in sports arenas, Rage on the Field is a referee’s account of enduring mounting abuse."
─Foreword Clarion Reviews
"Isn’t it tragic that such a book needed to be written? But, given the current state of affairs in sports, the book was desperately needed. When you suffered your horrible incident, the officiating community took notice and it came in to support you. We felt for you. And then, you did what needed to be done. You took the matter into the legal system and your actions in turn gave the rest of us in officiating a signpost to becoming more active in such matters. The book correctly states that physical assaults against sports officials have never been worse nor more frequent. Your book is now required reading for many in sports officiating and in sports administration. Thank you sincerely for your dedication, that made the book possible. Your book is a unique summary of assaults against sports officials and the efforts we in officiating have made and continue to make on behalf of protecting the men, women and young people who officiate sports. We are in your debt."
─Barry Mano, President
Racine, Wisconsin
Referee chief strategy officer; Referee magazine founder (1975) and publisher; National Association of Sports Officials founder (1980) and president; former 23-year basketball official, who worked nine seasons at the NCAAM D-I level; a renowned public speaker and media guest on issues important to the officiating industry; Officiating Development Alliance (ODA) and Officiating Commentators Alliance (OCA)
Racine, Wisconsin
Referee chief strategy officer; Referee magazine founder (1975) and publisher; National Association of Sports Officials founder (1980) and president; former 23-year basketball official, who worked nine seasons at the NCAAM D-I level; a renowned public speaker and media guest on issues important to the officiating industry; Officiating Development Alliance (ODA) and Officiating Commentators Alliance (OCA)
"Rage on the Field is an excellent accounting of sportsmanship gone amuck. The documentation and chronological review depicts a life changing journey most officials do not like to talk about. The details are at times disturbing. Bob showed great courage in pursuing changes in legislation to try to protect our referees and received national attention in doing so. This book brings a much needed awareness to all sports enthusiasts."
─Tim & Becky Hattenburg
Authors of Death Ride: A Little Boys Night of Terror
Authors of Death Ride: A Little Boys Night of Terror
"Offering our sincere gratitude for the invaluable contribution of officials, it is clear that they are the lifeblood of sports, indispensable to achieving success. While their efforts may go unacknowledged at times, their presence is essential in enabling sports to prosper."
─Ashley Blake, CEO
Spokane Sport
Spokane Sport
