t is always interesting to see what those who play, coach, or sit in the stands think about officials. The most interesting to hear are the spectators who have no real idea the requirements officials endure to keep the game in order.

Recently, I ran across a web page entitled "The Effect of Bad Referees." It featured some person’s "research" on how bad referees can affect the outcome of a game. But, thankfully, before my back became fully arched, closer scrutiny revealed the author's lack of knowledge.

Bad/inconsistent refs

The article used basketball officials as the subject of the study. It began with the statement: "…I have been frustrated in my attempts to understand the ref’s role in the game." He then makes the point that "a bad ref is an inconsistent ref. A terrible ref is a biased ref."

Continued...