The retired ref Gerry Austin was my high school teacher back in the early 70's and over the years he would visit my place when he was doing a Jag game. We would talk about the up coming game and rehash old times back in Asheville, N.C. Talking to him was enlightening.

 

He would emphasize how fast each play was unfolding, with 22 players on the field, with each official tasked to watch certain elements of the game, the multitude of possibilities on each play, and with about 70+ plays per game they were going to miss things. But the one single most important aspect of their objective was to not be the reason for the outcome. They abhorred being the reason for a win or loss. Some calls missed or made, are not reviewable; and to a referee getting it wrong without the ability to reverse it was sickening.

 

I, like all fans, don't like missed or bad calls, but I also realize referees don't like them either. I don't believe they are either for or against any team.

 

Regards..........................the Chiefjag

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