Quote:
Originally Posted by zebraman
I saw some fantastic NCAA officials over the age of 50 this season. I saw some young, new faces that were obviously struggling. I also see some "younger officials" who do not stay in shape year-round and they struggle with injuries frequently.
There is no substitute for experience.
Age shouldn't be the issue. It should be all about performance.
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I don't necessarily agree with the 50 year old thing, but wanted to point some things out.
Some of the younger officials who could be perceived to be struggling could have been calling the game as Mr. Nichols would like it to be called. Sometimes coaches are all over officials they don't know/trust - as if a coach's trust is a determining factor in how good an official is.
Gaining experience now is different from 20 years ago. Look at the thread with the list of camps and look at how much basketball is out there.
Yes, age shouldn't be the issue and performance should. However, if that was the case the whole landscape of officiating could and probably would change.
Although I think NBA officials are the best in the world, there was probably a mistake in this situation. Joey Crawford is one of the best officials in the game and I don't really believe it is all on him - Duncan did get a fine. I don't agree with suspending him for the rest of the year either. A $25,000 fine for Duncan is nothing. Stern does what is best for the league to keep making money.
There have been rumors of Bevetta taking over for Ronnie Nunn when he retires.
Now, back to the arguments.