Official decisions are final! Is it time for Instant Replay?

Posted on | March 29, 2011 | No Comments

Should officials decisions be final when we have technology that can support them right or wrong? After watching the 141 pound NCAA match at the championships in Philadelphia I started asking some questions. People I respect in our sport are now starting to talk a little louder, starting to endorse some changes. Instant replay in our sport? We don’t need it you say. I want you to hold your judgement until you watch the replay of the match between Russell and Marion at 141 pounds. Click here to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYZOFCyZno8

Marion and Russell go into overtime tied 1 to 1. Skipping ahead to 11:45 with 25 seconds left in the first O/T, Marion with the first take down and Russell’s butt is actually on the mat (Marion’s head is now free) – If you said 2 POINTS you would be right! The Second take down comes moments later when Marion has Russell’s back and BOTH of Russell’s hands are on the mat – If you said 2 POINTS you are right again. Both take downs were not called. I’m certain that if the officials had the chance to see both instances in replay they would have reversed their no calls.

All coaches and athletes over the years have been the recipient of bad calls or no calls or dare I say it, pay back calls. That is no excuse for no action today. Some calls or no calls are more obvious than others.

In the attached interview listen to the words of one of the most respected and opinionated coaches in our sport, Bobby Douglas. He knows that The time has come for our coaches, our leaders to address this situation on a bigger scale. Take the initiative and stand up for the sport and for the athletes. Only the coaches can Insist on instant replay. We have the technology and there is not an official out there that will head in to a Hall of Fame and step up to receive his award and say “I accept this recognition with the exception of a few bad calls, no calls or mistakes…..”

Wrestling fans, coaches and administrators this is a huge opportunity as we look for ways for our international athletes to climb back in to medal contention. Let’s do this the right way and as Bobby Douglas said, “Do it now rather than later”. It’s got to be done.

Scott Casber