The Snake Oil Salesman Is At It Again

[ajmc]

Hhmm, seems like I might have struck some nerves. BasketBallRef, you didn't miss any threads and haven't been appointed nor am I running for "God of the football forum", but just like you, I feel I have some right to complain about things I find distasteful, or excessive. Of course, if that's alright with you.

Like most of the readers of these forums, the whole issue of the A-11 generates some interest and I've paid attention to much of the pros and cons. Personally, I don't think it's a formation that will survive under it's own weight, but it's not up to me whether it does, or not.

Actually, I think some of the negative aspects of this argument, make sense. My problem is with how some opposing opinions have been expressed. I'm going to take a wild guess and assume I've been doing this a lot longer than you, and I've never been impressed with arguments that try and make their point, just by shouting or by personally attacking those they disagree with.

I don't know Coach Bryan, so I don't have any reason to doubt his sincerity, even if I might think he's wrong. From what I've seen, however, he has pursued his advocation of this formation civily, respectfully and ardently. Regardless of whether he will be ultimately proven right, or wrong, he has shown the good manners to remain respectful, despite some good reasons not to.

Step off your high horse for just a moment and consider, just the possibility, you may be simply wrong. Allow me to make a suggestion, one official to another, when you allow your argument to be propped up with unnecessary baggage (insults, personal attacks, speculating about motivation, mocking) all you accomplish is weakening your position.

For the most part, officials as a group, are able to remain calm when emotions and tempers flare, rationally digest all the views of the issue in question, and render an informed decision based on the facts. Jumping to conclusions, screaming and insulting opposite view points are attributes more normally associated with fans. We're usually able to stay above that, or at least should try to.