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A while back I did a game in American Legion ball, it was the bot of the 7th, home team down by 1 run, with 2 outs and the final play of the game took place at the plate with the runner lowering his shoulder on the catcher, trying to score. My call, malicious contact runner out, out of the game, game over. Was it the call the home team wanted? No. Was it the right call? Yes
I once called a penalty shot at the buzzer of the final period of a hockey game. The player went on to score and win the game for his team. Was it the call the home team wanted? No. But again it was the right call.
Both times my partners stated they didn't know if they would have ended the game that way and I replied that if you didn't have the guts to make the right call at that point of the contest, you shouldn't be an official.
I don't believe there should be ANY hesitancy on the part of a good official in making a game ending decision if they are confident that it was the right call.
For those that believe otherwise, well you just shouldn't be an official.
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