Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site hou2b.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!houxm!hou2b!sims
From: sims@hou2b.UUCP (J.SIMESTER)
Newsgroups: net.sport.hoops
Subject: Re: General Flames on Officials
Message-ID: <222@hou2b.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 23-Feb-84 09:33:43 EST
Article-I.D.: hou2b.222
Posted: Thu Feb 23 09:33:43 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 24-Feb-84 00:56:10 EST
References: <220@hou2b.UUCP>, <845@drufl.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 33

Regarding my original article on the subject of poor officiating,
Mark Hamilton responded (in part) with:

> Finally, no flame intended, but I don't see how someone can complain
> about officiating if they don't understand some of the calls. Maybe
> they meant they understand the call, but not why it was made. I
> notice alot of times the announcers (the major announcers!) don't
> even know what is being called. Which no doubt confuses alot of
> viewers. I always pay all attention on the game and not some stupid
> Al McGuire analogy. Then you know what is being called and whether
> or not you agree with it.

> Sorry if I misinterpreted any statements.

Just to set the record straight, my statement about not understanding
calls was supposed to mean that a given call made by an official had
little or no relation to what actually occurred on the court.  Granted,
my original statement was rather vague on that point (must start using
the old :-)!!).  Also, I am well aware of the fact that officiating is
difficult, especially in a fast-action sport like basketball, and I
wouldn't object to *occasional* blown calls.  However:

	1) The officials in major conferences are supposed to be
	   experienced *professionals*, not volunteers refing a
	   local pick-up or intramural game, and

	2) I have seen Big Ten games where the blown calls were of
	   epidemic proportions!

Just wanted to clarify a bit.  Glad to see some interest!!
-- 
                                    Jim
                            ..!houxm!hou2b!sims