A Rare Rant: Referees and Replay

If you will all pardon me, or cut me a little slack, I’d like to rant a little.

As much as I love football. I am finding it more and more difficult to watch on television. I have asked myself the question, “why is it difficult to enjoy this game?” After a lot of thought and analysis, it boiled down to replay, and officiating. Now, that may or may not surprise any of you. But, it’s been moving in that direction for me for a couple of years and this season at both the collegiate and NFL season, it has moved me to rant level.

Now, I don’t want to hear any garbage about how I always complain about the officiating against Michigan. Well, when it’s inconsistent against anybody in any game, it bothers me. And, I’s not just me. The other day against Michigan a clear pass interference call was not called against Washington on a key third down play. It had a major impact on the game. The network analyst, Todd Blackledge, who I think is one of the best in the game, also thought it was missed. As a matter of fact, his comment was, “Washington got away with one there.” So, it’s not just me. And to be transparent, I admit readily they missed some calls against the Wolverines in the game that Husky fans should be upset about. I understand completely that officiating at the highest level is a near impossible job, but, if must be more consistent.

From one week to the next, I have no idea what holding is from one officiating crew to another. When it’s inconsistent, it is bad for both teams. That’s just a fact. More than ever, it has been destroying the rhythm of a game. It seems as though there is no flow to a game anymore because every other play we are stopping for a flag. I don’t think for a minute coach’s are preparing the players to be more penalty prone, do you?

I heard the other night one of the announcers mention that there had been 12 accepted penalties. I thought that was bad, then a few days later a game with 22 penalties came down the pike. That means that every 3 minutes of game time there was a disruption in play because of a flag. It’s as bad as television commercials anymore. I do not know what the answer is. All I know is for those people who are decision makers, I am one very engaged fan who is turning off the TV set before the game is over more often than not because it is no longer entertaining.

And, I am sick and tired of instant replay in the officiating realm. The original rule was if the replay showed “indisputable video evidence,” a play could be overturned. That standard in my opinion has gone by the wayside. Even the broadcaster officials who help out in the TV telecast have been saying things like, “it appears,” or “it looks like,” or “from that angle it appears.” Well, I’m sorry if it doesn’t show a definitive picture that proves the play beyond a shadow of a doubt, the call on the field should stand. As a viewer, you can test this theory. If you objectively see a call and you can’t tell on a hi-def TV whether the call is right or wrong, you must go with the call on the field. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said I’m not really sure and the call goes the other way. Look, if I can’t see anything to overturn, and they decide to overturn it, then it wasn’t indisputable. It’s driving me to distraction. And, it’s interrupting the flow of the games. It’s not as enjoyable a watch anymore. I don’t know whether any of you feel the same, but, I’m not a satisfied customer.

One last thing about replay and officiating. The other night in the Cal vs Miami game, a critical targeting call was replayed. It was really late at night, and maybe only a junkie like me was watching, but, the Cal quarterback was on a scramble to get a first down. A Miami player launched himself at the runner for the tackle, he lowered his head and he contacted the runner in the head and neck area with the crown of his helmet. Every element of targeting was present. Remember, it’s a safety issue for both players, and they are trying to eliminate concussions and head injuries. I agree with getting these kind of hits out of the game. Even the broadcast referee consultant in the booth said the elements of targeting were present. When they replayed the contact you could see it as clear as day. They ruled after replay it was not targeting. It was outrageous. It probably would have wrapped up an upset by Cal over Miami, but in the end, Miami came back to win the game. I am not a Cal fan by any stretch, but they got screwed. You shouldn’t have to say that about any game.

It’s a rant, that’s all. It’s my game and I hate to see it compromised. It’s just been eating at me for a couple years, and I decided to take this week to rant. I’ll go hibernate for a while now and have a mug of hot cocoa. Be well everyone.