You Took My Money, But At Least You Kissed Me First
A discussion on another website led me to bring up an old question.
Why are there still referees on the field?
A specific example is the NHL. The play in question was a goal being scored in a visibly illegal fashion, but let stand by the referee. It changed the course of the playoff series, being a tied seventh game. But really, it could have been any goal, basket, or touchdown (rouge?) in any game, and in any sport. My question remains the same.
Why, exactly, are referees on the field of play considered some type of antiquated romantic tradition despite so many constant negative effects on the sport?
Why is “human error” so defended, even accepted and romanticized? Should human error in rule enforcement constantly be determining these contests?
What about when it’s not error at all? People would have called me crazy for suggesting mafia influence in the outcome of sporting events before an NBA referee pleaded guilty to federal felony conspiracy charges. But really, how obvious is it that referees will become a target of organized crime? The ability to directly influence the outcome of a sporting event is a pretty lucrative power to hold. It’s only common sense that people with the ability to create money from thin air are going to be squeezed a bit. And so what? Calling an extra penalty or two at the end of a game or make a few “bad calls” regarding points is better than having your legs inserted forcibly into your esophagus, right?
So my question is this: Why do we continue to allow this? At least the NFL allows video review on demand (albeit very limited). What’s stopping that small step in the NBA, NHL, etc? I’m not suggesting we put referees in the witness protection program and have them call games remotely from a locked room three blocks away from the arena, but plastering their names all over the screen and giving them complete power over the outcome of the games they’re working is a bit much, isn’t it?