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....
Man, that was written like maybe you belong to another association like the ABA. I do want to go on record stating that I am NOT a member of the secrect society. That society is for those, like you, who think you know more than the coaches, wrestlers, fans, and parents. The rule book isn't that complicated. How much time have you spent in a practice room? Have you ever been a competitor or a coach? How about a parent of a wrestler? Maybe you have but I doubt it or your pompous position of "most don't know the rules" would have never shown up on here. I am not going to debate the call with you as you obviously have taken the ridiculous opinion that it is not arguable even though you make a living making arguments. If you didn't care about the match why did you post it on the NHSCA Forum? If you didn't have a horse in the race (and it is a lie that you don't know Ryne or me) why make a comment? I was speaking in general terms when I stated that "everyone in the gym" comment. You took it directly to the match that you do seem to have a personal fascination with. Officials are just like lawyers, they make mistakes. It is okay to make a mistake but it is not okay to tell everyone that they don't know the rules or the application of them when they spend WAY more time on this sport than you do. Wrestlers work 20 to 30 hours a week and wrestle up to 175 matches a year while you attend a couple of meetings, take a test, and show up at weekend tournaments. No pracice. Reading a book isn't really good preparation.
At some point in time EVERYONE's ability to see action and make a decision in a split second begins to diminish. Your ability to get in position becomes diminished. Your stamina becomes diminished yet many of your fellow zebra fraternity members choose to remain on the mat as there exists NO check and balance system to remove them when they are no longer able to perform the required duties. When a wrestler makes a mistake he loses the match. When an official makes a mistake nothing happens! Usually the fellow officials surround them like a downed buffalo and deny the "masses" the right to know the real answer. I say, nut up and admit it when you make a mistake or when it is time for you to walk off the mat and let a new official break into the elite fraternity.
I think you have spent too much time reading the rules and trying to make they WAY more complex than they are. Calls are blown all of the time and you need to admit that instead of trying to say all of us on the outside don't know shinola.
