Frank Deford in Referee Magazine

[Don in MN]

The pool reporter concept, as it works in the NCAA (I work as a sports information director at a D-III college), is just fine. If there is a controversial call, a pool reporter (or host SID in some instances at a tournament) should be able to get comments from the officials.

The officials are participants in the game, just like the players and coaches. If a controversial call occurs that has an effect (either direct or implied) on the game, officials should be made available to a pool reporter to answer questions.

I've seen it work on a handful of occasions (I've worked as a volunteer on media relations staffs for several NCAA D-I tournaments in the Twin Cities, including last year's men's Final Four), and often, an officials comment can help to clarify what could be a disastrous situation. The more information available, the better for everyone involved.