This was a situation that I spent some time on yesterday because I want to learn from this and share it with my colleagues. I made calls and received calls from top State officials, heard from coaches and parents, and even club coaches who the Centralia wrestler has been coached. I saw some crappy video and very clear video, even camera frame by frame sets in quick time.
We officials use the term "let it burn". When there is significant action we wait patiently until something finally comes to fruition after the melee then award/not award points. After watching the video, I feel I could have waited a second or two longer to award/not award the Centralia takedown. She did get behind her opponent after the scramble but then came off the side, but doesn't mean she would have gotten the takedown as her opponent was also moving to face her quickly. I do know this, there was no control or restraining power and by overturning the call was the absolute correct call to make. My assistant official was in good position and we both agreed after our discussion on the same thing. The girls then started in neutral, tied 8-8 and either wrestler had equal opportunity at that point.
This was a very tight, hard fought match by both girls, and I did my best to give them a fair called match. All good officials take what they've learned and use it to be better officials. I have probably spent more time on this the past 2 days than most would have but it's important to me to hear and see what I can learn.
One last thing, while officials are not always right, we do work hard in and out of season on the rules and mechanics. We are still down 40% in referee participation and covering duals and tournaments has been tough, even having to cancel or reschedule events with no coverage. Berating officials will not help this. I know after this season and the way some officials were treated they are not coming back. Please keep this in mind. As officials, we need to correct the mistakes we make and build on the good things we do, and it will take parents and coaches to learn with us in a positive way.
With that said, I wish all of our WA wrestlers a great, healthy, and successful off season!
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