Your suggestion ... of adding an "ask the ref" to the kids forum ... is a worthy one! But, who would the "correct" answer come from?

Our official on the Kids Board is not very adept at posting on our forums. Plus the "judgement" in wrestling IS a big part of the decisions!

I heard a lengthy "discussion" yesterday, to point this out. Some, say the rules are very "black-and-white" others say they are very gray. I've seen and been part of two knowledgeable wrestling people, sitting side-by-side, and disagree on a call.

It is so very hard to adequately narrate what you have seen, either verbally or in writing. Even the rule book shows snapshots of situations. But these are two-dimensional! They can't show what you can't see.

Even BLT's scenario, where a cradle is locked up, does not say what the other wrestler has locked up. I've seen referee's checking the shoulders of a wrestler who still has control! (defensive pin) perhaps for several seconds or longer. Yet, no points are awarded.

I've bemoaned the lack of finite scores in our sport in my clinics. Most times, a takedown is clearly a takedown to 99% of those watching. But too often other factors sneak in! Was the action at the end of the period, was it in or out-of-bounds, did the opponent have a leg hooked or a whizzer or any variety of actions!

I've often suggested that the sports that have a "goal" are easy! Did the ball go through the hoop? Did the puck cross the line? Did the ball break the plane? But at times you even get arguments in these sports! Plus, they often have video reviews!!

It is always left to the viewpoint of the interpreter who has a 2-dimensional view from his or her angle!

A referee being out-of-position is probably the most frequent "alleged crime" committed by officials! But, what action is the official suppose to watch ... is he/her suppose to watch an arm in a dangerous position or the head gear being pulled on the other side?

As coaches we definitely have a selected view! Our ability to move around the mat to try to see what the official is looking at is rightfully restricted.

I guess it is human nature to want definitive answers that agree with us!! But too often, I suggest, that is not the "right" answer!