Thinking about an old story...

[Doctor_D]

http://www.si.com/vault/1994/12/26/...l-game-his-life-no-longer-seemed-worth-living

I thought this story might be appropriate given recent events.

My take:

The refs screwed up badly, they are humans. The IHSA screwed up given the chance to set things straight, although it certainly was an undesirable situation for all involved.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

Everyone should read this story. In Plainfield, Oak Park, and Durand

 

[jcal67]

http://www.si.com/vault/1994/12/26/...l-game-his-life-no-longer-seemed-worth-living

I thought this story might be appropriate given recent events.

My take:

The refs screwed up badly, they are humans. The IHSA screwed up given the chance to set things straight, although it certainly was an undesirable situation for all involved.

Everyone should read this story. In Plainfield, Oak Park, and Durand

The referees in this case would feel better if the IHSA overturned it. Then they did not blow the call and hurt anyone.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

The referees in this case would feel better if the IHSA overturned it. Then they did not blow the call and hurt anyone.

You really think they are going to feel better either way? You need to read the story posted on this thread again.

 

[jwarigaku]

Doctor D,


Very nice and touching story. Certainly relevant to today's discussion as well. About mid way through the story Kenny states "that had these been rules interpretations he could have accepted the criticism and that consequences should be expected(paraphrased)". So I think he would have no issue with the rebuke of this ref squad. While this certainly speaks to the mental health damage that can be caused by the pack mentality against the ref community it doesn't address the damage to the kids. Always two sides to the story and it's unfortunate that life will never be fair, I think that it's important for the kids to learn. On the other side of the coin the IHSA hiding behind senseless bylaws is rediculous but typical.

http://www.si.com/vault/1994/12/26/...l-game-his-life-no-longer-seemed-worth-living

I thought this story might be appropriate given recent events.

My take:

The refs screwed up badly, they are humans. The IHSA screwed up given the chance to set things straight, although it certainly was an undesirable situation for all involved.

 

[Doctor_D]

Doctor D,


Very nice and touching story. Certainly relevant to today's discussion as well. About mid way through the story Kenny states "that had these been rules interpretations he could have accepted the criticism and that consequences should be expected(paraphrased)". So I think he would have no issue with the rebuke of this ref squad. While this certainly speaks to the mental health damage that can be caused by the pack mentality against the ref community it doesn't address the damage to the kids. Always two sides to the story and it's unfortunate that life will never be fair, I think that it's important for the kids to learn. On the other side of the coin the IHSA hiding behind senseless bylaws is rediculous but typical.

I 100% agree that there are two sides to every story, and I'm not taking sides. There are both similarities and differences between the events.

I think the whole thing flat out sucks. At this point there is no way to proceed without having a large group of people very unhappy.

 

[Alexander33]

Everyone should read this story. In Plainfield, Oak Park, and Durand

I read it. It does show the value of maintaining perspective. But that is also true for the official back in 1994. He came out of the incident with a much better perspective on life and I'm glad things worked out for him. Still, I do not disagree with what the Durand program did, or with what the IHSA did at the time. Everyone needs to be accountable and, if they are maintaining the right perspective, they accept it, try to improve, and move on with their life.
Regarding yesterday's incident, it was unfortunate. We all make mistakes... players, teammates, coaches, and officials. Since there are five officials, presumably they all made the same mistake. There needs to be some accountability. However, since it apparently does not represent a pattern of poor officiating, or a deliberate attempt to circumvent the rule, probably nothing more than a letter of reprimand is needed, and perhaps not officiating in next year's playoffs.
Even the Fenwick players can learn from this, with the proper perspective, that life does not always work out as it should, and one must move on. For the parents, empathy for those who are down, players and officials alike, is the proper approach.

 

[Goomlah]

No one to the best of my knowledge has said anything to the effect of "we hope the refs die". You can't wish that upon anyone.

Refs are human too. There will be repercussions to their actions, but I sincerely hope they stay together and get downstate. They've earned that right.