Hey Harshman--let me give you a scenario. You are the ref and you have 2 coaches screaming at you, while a mother in the stands is yelling accusations at you without the benefit of being able to see what you see 40 ft away. You have 2 or 3 other matches going on around you with whistles and kids flying all around, trying to keep the kids and yourself safe. At the same time you need to keep the match totally fair and correct in everyones eyes. It would be a little difficult don't you think.

Why not instead, teach your wrestlers to not let the ref decide your match. Make the win for yourself. You will feel a lot better because, as in life, nothing is fair and obstacles will always be thrown in your path. I will always back the ref and not the coach because the ref is human and can make a mistake. For some reason, humans always try to find someone else to blame. The only complaint I have is that the ref needs to have the heart and confidence to call a match according to the rules in the book and not by some coaches insistant complaining to sway the outcome. Most of the coaches that blame refs are going to drive the refs out of kids wrestling. They really don't get paid enough to put up with the abuse.

Sara--I think you did a good job considering that you are in an atmosphere that thinks women can't participate or officiate in this sport.

Kenny Taylor, Jr.; Keith Ashpole; Joe Smith; Steve Allen; Lisa Woody; and a few others that I don't know your names... Thanks for a great job of officiating under extreme pressure. You all did a great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FYI -- I can't remember who said that you have to have been a wrestler in order to be a good official--Sara Woody was a wrestler.