What Makes A Good Ref - by Steve Lavin

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by TheOracle

I also thought it was fine. Lavin has every right to his opinions, and everyone should listen to them, whether they agree 100% or not. Guys like him are the decision-makers.

With respect to Gottlieb and other folks, remember that criticism generates viewers and $$$ for the networks. It's easy for him to pick out mistakes and rant about them. Not too tough. Easy way to fill time. Also, for every criticism you hear on the highlight shows, you'll hear a broadcatser watch a replay and admit the official got it right, despite originally questioning the call. They're not all bad. Controversy makes money for them. Just like reality TV.

Officials make mistakes. Life goes on. Coaches, players, and officials have to deal with the opinions of the public.

These guys are not qualified to tell officials what they need to do to get better. Just like I am not qualified to tell what makes a good coach from an X's and O's standpoint or whether they know how to motivate their players or not.

And often when issues of controversy come up, these guys do not know the rules they are complaining about. For example the Georgetown-Villanova game and the call that was made near the end of the game. And these guys did not know anything about the Precision Timing System or how it worked when the Tennessee-Rutgers Women’s game had that ending with the clock stopping. They know little or nothing about officiating and that is why we have problems with many of their takes. That does not mean they do not have the right to give their opinions. They are going to give them one way or another that is what they are paid to do. But that does not mean that we have to accept their crap no matter how silly it sounds.

Peace