I don't know if people have seen this amazing story about a baseballer who has confessed to paying for private investigators to follow umpires to dig up dirt against them, and then use it against them to get favourable strike calls.
After injury-plagued seasons in 1991 and ’92, he led the National League in runs, walks and at-bats the next season, finishing second to Barry Bonds in the NL MVP race.
“It wasn’t a coincidence you think I led the league in walks the next few years was it?” Dykstra asked rhetorically.
The margin between winning and losing in professional sports is so small that it probably shouldn't surprise that if you suddenly start getting the rub of the green from officials it makes an almighty difference. And it's probably a good reminder that officials are human beings and for whatever reason have perceptions, biases, etc and that these will make a difference to the game.
I know a lot of us here feel like Parramatta for the past couple of reasons have seemed to be ridiculously heavily penalised. I don't exactly know how you do it, but I think it's something you seriously have to look at. You have to look at your relationships with the refs, and how the players of the teams who don't get heavily penalised conduct themselves to flip that switch in the refs head so that the 50/50 calls tend to go their way instead of against it.
It's the type of issue where it's probably too easy to just accept what goes on, rather than actively work to improve it, because there is no doubt it's one of the biggest points of influence in a game.
Replies
So many games are decided on dodgy calls by the refs. I doubt the video bunker will improve anything... just be a waste of money and complicate things further.
Actually I think the bunker may work a little better. Removed from a box directly behind fans, they can make a decision without having to deal with fans only a couple of metres away.
Great article, theres a lot of food for thought.
The fact is that one will always be treated better from those in a position of power when they know they are being watched and have the heat on them, its warfare 101 and this guy had the smarts to really put the pressure on without having to threaten anybody, knowledge is absolute power.
you forgot the last line Snake, "absolute power corrupts absolutely".
The kick for touch rule is obsolete, and was brought in at a time where the pigskin could only be kicked 20 meters.
Anyway Phil, yes we have definitely been unfairly penalized, and you could argue that the Sandow "cheats" call, may have remained in the ref's subconscious.
Sandow's departure will improve our situation.
AFL can be given a 50 metre marching order which takes them into a direct position to score a goal.
Badketballers may have no chance at sinking a basket but be awarded two free shots for very minimal contact.
To name a few...
Rather than worrying about this, lets run with it. Can we fit a couple of dirt diggers under the salary cap.
actually, lets extrapolate. How can we get one over the salary cap auditor.
phil . can i say this why ever there is heavy betting on rugby league games , like the nrl ,its wide open for easy money, where its by refs , players ect..money money money.
we have seen fixed cricket matches , and it could be wide, and world wide.
and some times mistakes from the video refs , and refs change the results in betting , like 1/6 and 12+
in my view the only betting should be closed before kick off and head to head ...
its grey area phil...
Basketball is actually really fair because the 2 points have less impact on the overall match compared to other sports. You still have to be able to sink free throws too and some players can't shoot and hence why fouling is even a key tactic towards the end of the game.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
of 4 Next