Question Number: 13144

Character, Attitude and Control 6/22/2006

RE: Rec

Exit Smith of camp pendleton, ca 92055 asks...

Has the use of Instant replay been brought up after the disply of poor officiating this year at the WC? I understand that the speed and intensity of the WC is far too fast for anyone (including a FIFA referee) to see what actually happens during close plays. I know that the use of instant replay has been forbiden in the past, but at some point we have to look at reality. We already stop the game numerous times for Flops, dives, and fake injuries, I would not think that twice a game (max) per side would add that much stopage time.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Marine, there is no poor officiating at this year's World Cup, only bad TV commentators.

Take Care Of MY Marine Corps,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I also disagree with your premise. These referees are doing a terrific job. The commenatators are horrible and if you listen to them, you're being led astray. Turn the sound off and see if you still think the referees are doing a poor job. I applaud them

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Mr Smith
that is a touchy subject for me! Many people will lay claim they are witnessing poor officiating are mainly looking at life through rose coloured glasses seeing dissapointment in a result and shifting blame to the only individual who has no interest in the outcome or score. Much of this stems from the huge money and political wrong doings at the world level. Soccer is a beautiful game but despite the slogan FAIRPLAY is our game, we drift into lets blame the referee for getting only 99% of the decisions correct. There will always be controversial decisions but make no mistake I have zero tolerance for afixing blame to a referee for the CHOICES made by players. A referee with integrity sees what he sees even if we see it different. REAL TIME decisions on field and armchair review at slow motion do not make for easy bedmates. Like a too quick lover it is vague and unsatisfying. The matches for the most part have been exciting and good entertainment. Enjoy the footbal,l turn off the english speaking commentators they constantly make error after error in how the laws are to be implimented or understood. I watch the Spanish networks I do not always understand the exact words but I do like the sound of their excitment which heightens the experiance. The ABC and TSN perpetuate myth after myth be it an INDFK for a deliberate handling and manditory cautions for deliberate handling. No feinting on PKs by a professional goaltender commentator no less. The myth list goes on as does the hot drival they fill in on air. In my opinion those who think they know generally know little of the extrordinary efforts made to train and prepare these officials. I think it is inheriant in people to seek fault and find blame much like reading a paper filled with pain and suffering we spend more time asking why all the terrible things when we should spend more time on all the wonderful things. Cheers