Uncalled Cheap Shots

[ga314ref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

We are not all powerful and even if we call something we will be scrutinized. I just do not buy it when people try to convince us that we have some say we do not have. It is just not true that we have that kind of power. The coach decides who actually plays and or he allows his kid to continue some kind of action. We can call all the fouls we like and they can ignore the consequences. There probably was only one call in this game that was shown that could be really seen as flagrant. And if we did not have a produced video claiming that was the case I doubt seriously that many here would be advocating such action in the first place.

I would like to think we have that kind of influence, but I have seen situations that take place and the officials called all the fouls in the world.

Peace

...is I'm competent. I don't believe any officials have powers that go beyond adjuducating a contest, but part of that role is recognizing that we are there to keep order. If a coach decides he wants to have five goons come out to try to turn a basketball game into a brawl, the best I can do, and will do, is call the fouls that will get those goons out of the game. A lot of it may have to do with where I live and officiate, but I can guarantee there's no varsity crew in my organization that would have tolerated this kind of play without ejecting someone. Our officials are not intimidated by players, coaches, crowds, or the import of the game. Our assignors and state overseers stand with us, but if we screw up, we're expected to take it in the chin.

Our society has changed. Ten years ago, this game would have faded to become a local folkstory; today, it's international news. Our profile has been raised, and this crew's lack of action reflects on us all.

So I agree, officials have no special powers, but if we're afraid to use the ones we have, we get games like this, and the critcism and scrutiny that follows.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by ga314ref

Our society has changed. Ten years ago, this game would have faded to become a local folkstory; today, it's international news. Our profile has been raised, and this crew's lack of action reflects on us all.

So I agree, officials have no special powers, but if we're afraid to use the ones we have, we get games like this, and the critcism and scrutiny that follows.

My comments have nothing to do with fear or not having courage. Just stating that we can call what we like and the players and coaches have to realize the consequences, be afraid of the consequences and take appropriate action or adjust. If they do not do that, all the fouls we call is not going to change anything. Obviously the coach was not thinking of the consequences because he obviously let this player stay. I know players that will commit one stupid foul and they do not play again that night.

Once again, a lot of this is based on your experience and standards as well. If that was not the case we would all agree on every foul called and what the call should have been. Still I see a lot of disagreement.

Peace