Change the call?

[williebfree]

We all get a knot in our stomache when we realize we need change our call. However, I also feel our duty to "get it right" should superceed any ego we may bring to the court.

In a game between bitter cross-town rivals, I had a situation which forced me to get help. Early in the second half, A1 threw a hard pass toward A2, near the sideline. B1(White) deflected the pass prior to it whizzing past A2. A2's body screened my vision, but I was confident that A2 did NOT touch the ball before it went OOB. I whistle (hand signal violation, followed by a directional point) and then with a drill-sargeant voice, "Green!" There were moans and boos from the bleachers in the area of the violation.

My partner hustled over and confirmed that Green 12 touched the ball. OK....with a drill-sargeant voice, "White!"

There was a smattering of cheers and soft claps.

As I prepared to administer the ball for the throw-in, I hear one fan (3 rows behind me) say to the other.... "I can't believe I just saw that! An official who admitted he made a mistake. I am impressed!"

I just turned to see who it was and gave him a smile... "Here we go... play ball!"