What we don't know.

[TomM]

(not a thread to argue or criticize)

What we don't hear or know ...
We don't hear what the official may be telling the wrestler.
Could be:
'Stay on the mat'
'return him to the mat'
'work off to the side' or 'get off to the side top man'
'work up bottom man'
'work to the middle'
(officials may or may not be supposed to say these things, but they do try to let wrestlers know they need to work or move etc.)

We don't know...
How the wrestler is responding to the situation at hand, under pressure or not under pressure.
How the wrestler is feeling about himself or the match.
Whether the wrestler is feeling good or bad.

We DO know...
The officials want to do their best.
The wrestlers want to do their best.

We forget...
Being an official is really difficult.
Wrestling is really hard. Harder than most of us know.

We know..
The opponent has a lot to say about the outcome of the match.

Let's remember what we know and don't know and what we can't hear or feel.

[imnofish]

Great post, Tom.  We all need to be reminded occasionally. 

[Spartan]

Great post Tom

I do know we are not aloud to coach the wrestlers when we ref.
I do know the refs want to make the rite call every time
I do know we have no dog in the matches we ref
I do know we will never make everyone happy
I do know I worked with a great group of hard working men who are dedicated  to the art of officiating
I do know we are not perfect, and will make mistakes
I do know that it has been a privilege to officiate these young men who have worked so hard to get to this point in their careers

Incredible experience
Steve Skarda

[imnofish]

So true, Spartan!  I know your post is accurate, because I had the privilege to do what you do, decades ago.  It was as true then as it is today.  Thanks for your efforts and your willingness to do a tough job!

[woody53]

Great post Tom

I do know we are not aloud to coach the wrestlers when we ref.
I do know the refs want to make the rite call every time
I do know we have no dog in the matches we ref
I do know we will never make everyone happy
I do know I worked with a great group of hard working men who are dedicated  to the art of officiating
I do know we are not perfect, and will make mistakes
I do know that it has been a privilege to officiate these young men who have worked so hard to get to this point in their careers

Incredible experience
Steve Skarda

Well said !

[bigG]

Great post Tom

I do know we are not aloud to coach the wrestlers when we ref.
I do know the refs want to make the rite call every time
I do know we have no dog in the matches we ref
I do know we will never make everyone happy
I do know I worked with a great group of hard working men who are dedicated  to the art of officiating
I do know we are not perfect, and will make mistakes
I do know that it has been a privilege to officiate these young men who have worked so hard to get to this point in their careers

Incredible experience


Steve Skarda

Good post. You might be the best ref in the state. Top 5 at the very least.  Every time I see you officiate, you got complete control and are on it.

[Tarin]

Great post coach (and very good to see you and have you meet my wife at sectionals in Hartford a couple weeks ago). 

Steve Skarda- met you a few times.  Liked you a s a coach- love you as a ref!   Keep it up!!

[maggie]

I was always Taught, What you don't know, wont hurt you     

[bigoil]

You could add

We are 3' from them sometimes closer vs the guy 1 row up or 3 floors up that apparently think they have better eyes, know the rules better than officials and can see through two people to call a pin.

Great job officiating by all this weekend.  When wrestling becomes easy to officiate, it likely won't be fun to watch.