As a tabloid worm of your editorial in the June 29, 2006 edition of the “Malibu Times” I accept Editor Arnold York’s invitation that “Vitriolic letters with opposing opinion will be accepted” regarding soccer (football) officiating at the World Cup.
American football has used video replay systems to check referees’ calls for more than half a decade. Basketball referees use replay systems to make sure players are shooting within the time allotted by the shot clock. But soccer officials and fans worldwide are adamant that the smooth flow of their game not be interrupted. Even, observer York, if that means sacrificing perfect accuracy.
Most soccer fans deem video playback systems, which must be monitored by someone off-field, an unacceptable infringement on the referee’s traditionally complete control over the game’s play. A purist camp even points to referees’ human frailty as an integral part of the game.
What referees see is what they feel from the game, what experience tells them is happening, and what their fatigue level allows them to see, just like the players. The human eye is not as quick as a computer, but the human mind can pick up all the nuances, all the smells, the looks on people’s faces, and make a decision.
Dear editor, do not condemn the judgment of another because it differs from your own. You may be wrong.
And that is all I have to say.
Tom Fakehany