I also witnessed bad calls, but it was on mat 5. Wanting to do the right thing, I asked for the Head Official (I believe it was Jim Belt). In a very respectful way, I explained that there was a problem (not judgement calls). Jim thanked me for being professional and sat matside for several matches to witness the official. As you all can guess, everything went smoothly on the mat. However, shortly after Jim left the mat, an unbelievable call was made. Again the head official was sought out, arrived, discussed and overturned the bad call. ("red" was taken down, but "green" was called for illegal hold (locked hands), "red" had a free move, but "green" was allowed to thread a double-wing, run it, and pin "red")
The point to my post is... yes we are human and make mistakes (yes, even coaches). And yes, it was a "recently certified" official. But, as you hear in every coaches meeting (pre-tournament start), if there is a problem, calmly approach the scoring table and invite the official over to discuss it. If that doesn't bring resolution, then calmly ask for the head official. And don't forget about the kid on the mat that just wants to wrestle, not watch you and the ref have a debate.
So, yes I agree that I have seen better officiating, but I have also seen coaches, parents and wrestlers behave better as well.
