Psychological and verbal abuse of referees and umpires by athletes and spectators was examined in an effort to determine the basic attitudes that contribute to the phenomenon. This research focused on three questions. First, is there a similarity in how athletes and nonathletes feel about political authority and sport officials? Second, what is the relationship between feelings of trust and confidence in the sport official and disrespect actually shown to the sport official? Finally, what are the differences between groups of athletes and nonathletes in disrespectful behavior? An analysis of the results of the questionnaire submitted to college students is presented. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (JD)