I don't know that only officials know the rules. And I don't know that everyone in the gym thought that was clearly an escape. If they did, they don't know the rules. My guess is, most didn't know. And only the ones that had some horse in the race probably cared enough to voice an opinion. But I'm confident that experienced officials can apply the rules correctly and consistently. This was a close call. But the comments here on this site that it was "clearly" a blown call demonstrate that the masses often just don't know. I don't care about that match, I don't know either kid except by reputation, and it makes no difference to me who won the match. But it was not an escape. Or at most, it was close enough to go either way. Take a look at the NFHS web site, read those posts of non-involved officials who watched the video, and you can read why it was close but not enough. You don't have to agree, but when other officials look at the film and say "no escape" and then explain why, it supports the call.
And Will, you are in the secret society. You know as well as anyone that there are a lot of fans and former wrestlers who think they know the rules (and do know some) but don't know how to apply them and make the tough calls. For example, all the posters here that are relying upon the "loss of control" as the criteria for an escape have shown they don't know what's required.
Suckerpunch....I think ye protests too much...quit reading then. This was a good match and the call generated some intense interest. I don't know that there was a lot of substantive discussion...having a "yes it was, no is wasn't, yes it was" hissyfit isn't worthwhile but if this match can be used to carefull explain and articulate the rule and educate the fans on close calls then I say let the coversation continue. If you have nothing new to add, granted, don't take up value bit space. It seems it makes a lot more sense to discuss this wrestling topic on this wrestling forum than the weather....
Last edited by Defref; 01/17/10 05:12 PM. Reason: typo
