I do agree that there should be some procedure for evaluating refs, but this should be approached as an overall performance, not specific calls in one or two matches. I agree with LancerM that we are seeing way too much whining on the forum this season about specific matches and potentially wrong calls by the ref. Until we have instant replay, it really doesn't matter what we think or even see on youtube after the fact.
Some of you missed what I stated in my earlier post; I am in favor of an evaluation system for refs. I just think it needs to be approached in a more effective manner than complaining on this forum. Refs should be judged on their body of work, not on one or two matches.
Regarding language: I would say wrestlers are held accountable for their behavior or language by their coaches and parents. Coaches are accountable to the athletic director of their school. Refs should have this same accountability. It is a free market system, and I suppose they are judged by the people who hire them for a tournament. If you host a tournament, don’t hire the ones whose performance you judge to be inferior. I know this doesn’t help when it comes to regionals or state. I wonder what would happen if a kid defaulted a match unless the ref was replaced? I guess the kid would probably lose, but is it worth a try to stand up for what you think is right and to bring about change? I do not know; it is just a question.
As for F bombs and other cussin’ I am not a good one to ask. I really don’t object to much in the way of language. I do see them as just words. I do care a lot more about the message behind the words. I do not like name-calling even if it is “fish”. My earlier point was just that if we are going to denigrate someone, why not use a masculine term? Some of the absolute worst language I have heard is from parents chewing out their son after a lost match and they didn’t use any profanity.
