Lots of good comments for both sides.
...We were definitely indoctrinated that we should always be between the wrestlers and the out of bounds. ...The officials it seemed didn't really practice that philosophy and I am not sure why. Maybe they did but just never when I was watching. Maybe the Association has told the officials not to jeopardize themselves at the expense of the wrestler or not to impede the match, etc. and to just get out of the way. I do not know and I cannot say as I was never an official in Kansas other then when I was officiating ranking matches in the room. I do know that I did practice the before mentioned philosophy then. It seemed natural and it seemed like a good idea. What does the rule book say about this?...
XGHSWC:
May take is like yours. When I started officiating 14 years ago, I was taught by the older officials that I should position myself as to "catch" any wrestler going out of bounds.
Over the years, I've gone to many clinics, both KWOA and others, and the presentations made me change where I position myself on boundary situations - straddle the line. Many different reasons:
A) "It's not really our job to catch kids, going OB..."
B) "If you're catching a kid, how can you see the offensive kids toes dragging for the 2?"
C) "You need to position yourself in order to see all the action. Off the line and you'll miss stuff"
D) "If you get hurt...it's on you. We don't get workman's comp."
These are just some of the notes over the years of clinic I can recall/have. So if we go to the video, this official is doing exactly what I do and the countless others I officiate with - straddle the boundary to watch everything.
I will not comment on this particular situation of what wasn't called or what should have been called, as that's not fair to this official. I just wanted to address your comments of "philosophy"...
