I like that, naturally our goal is to get it right in the first place (funny how that doesn't always happen, though, eh?
). But I don't see what the problem is with "get it right". It doesn't mean ball-hawk, it doesn't mean step all over your partner, or anything like that. I've always taken it to mean if there is confusion, or an obvious error situation that is solvable (ie. not on fouls), then we have to do our best to make the correct call, and to look as seamless as possible doing it.
I once saw an NCAA tournament game where there was a huge crash on a breakaway, and one official came out HARD with a block. His partner came sprinting in, blowing his whistle, walked right into the middle of the key, and signalled....travel! Partner nods emphatically and put the ball back in play. I thought it was great. TV cuts to closeup shot of each coach, neither is blowing a gasket. Awesome. [/B][/QUOTE]
From Jeff Rutledge's original post-
I will stay completely out of this discussion and just throw this out there.
Does that mean insert replies four (4) times to the very question at issue?
I am the baseball guy that started this issue. We see a movement afoot that makes officials more accountable. Umpires are overruling calls in MLB, the Big Ten will allow it in football this Fall, instant replay has been fairly effective in the NFL and NHL recently. We're still human, but with intensive TV coverage, our superiors are asking us to get the call right. They would rather have us eat a little crow than bring down a league. I've never said that you should big league a junior partner, but as I've read here and elsewhere, we all have different angles and if handled properly, can get the call right. As a crew, we are obligated to respect the game (read enforce the rules fairly) and do what we can to get make the correct call, that's all. That is what they pay us for, afterall.
I'm sorry that this spilled over onto this Board. If you are interested, you can catch the whole topic on the BB Board. Have your favorite beverage handy, though.
I'm not a basketball guy, and respect the fact that you have no choice but to make tough calls while on the move - a luxury we usually have in baseball. Some of you make it loof easy. Good luck and have a good season.