The criteria for being chosen to do state:
1. Are you a school admin? You are in!
2. Are you old, slow and unable to get down on the mat? You are in!
3. Was the last time you REALLY read the rule book several years ago? You are in!
4. You have never wrestled before? You are in!
The system is a joke!!! Rick and Gary are quasi ostriches! Ostriches have their heads in the sand, Rick and Gary have theirs somewhere else. Rick Bowden attended a KWCA meeting a few years ago and a leading NCAA official conducted a clinic and he told Rick and all attendees that the Kansas officials system was terrible! He actually called it a "Good Ole Boy System" and he told Rick Bowden how to fix it. Rick has no recollection of this meeting. Convenient! The regular season is controlled by area "assigners". The unofficial system where there is a Godfather of officials. If you don't go through the Godfather you will never officiate in a high school event. The Godfather takes care of the area mafioso officials and if you aren't a suck up then you will never "get in". That is why we don't have any young, energetic, athletic, former wrestlers officiating. The system is messed up but won't be fixed unless all of you complain and get it fixed!
I like your wit Cokely. But, are you saying that there are no good refs at all in KS? My guess would be 'no'. But, is there a system problem? Probably so.
Do we know POTENTIAL refs that meet your excellent criteria BUT were turned DOWN because of the good ole boy system? I'm not saying this to be critical of your thoughts - I'm just curious. My guess is probably not.
My speculation is that it is short line of folks that even want the job in the first place. I know I sure don't want it. Tried it once (as a young, athletic and former wrestler) and I su---- at it. It is very hard. The action moves FAST. Judgements have to be made quickly. And, we are all human and we all make mistakes.
Thanks current refs for trying what I assume/hope is your best with a very demanding and challenging job.
