There's nothing like the experience of watching a game in person. Well, except for the lack of access to instant video replay (and longer lines to the bathroom).
A play happens quickly. A charge, a close play at the plate, a flag that came from nowhere.
Boy, I'd love to see that play again! Give it to me in all angles, in super slow motion! I want to see!!! Did the official get it right? Often, it certainly doesn't appear so as it unfolded in full speed.
But in most cases, the officials do get it right. At home, where you can yell and scream all you want without interfering with the game or the enjoyment of all the attendees sitting within earshot, you get to see it.
At games, live and in person, you don't. Oh sure they might replay a dunk, a home run or a TD pass. But a close call? They refrain.
Should they show it?
What are the powers-that-be afraid of?
While at the NCAA basketball tourney second round (the old first round) I attended in Louisville, the large screens during the first two games showed every close call; every charge, every block, every foot on the line.
My mouth was agape! I was surprised! Was there a video guy in the booth who had gone rogue? Was this an experiment by the NCAA?
So how did the instant video replay of close calls play with spectators? For those games, it was great. The games were well officiated and the overwhelming majority of calls that at first glance could have gone the other way appeared actually correct.
Here's how it played out:
- A close call happened - for example, a player control foul (charge) was called that looked like the defender's feet were not set.
- Fans of the call not in their favor would react negatively with jeers and boos.
- The video screens would show the instant replay in slow motion right after the play.
- The replay showed the defender was set, and the call appeared correct.
- The self-generated wind from fans was let out of their sails as quickly as it went in.
What is most interesting is over the course of each game, something remarkable happened. Fans tended to respond less to the officiating. Had they started to gain confidence in the officials after seeing so often their initial impression was wrong and the officials were correct? It certainly seemed that way.
Officials (umpires, too) at levels where video replay would be available typically do a fantastic job. Let's start showing instant replay at games and let everyone who doesn't think so see for themselves.
What do you think? Have you seen close calls replayed at sporting events you've attended? How did it go? What are disadvantages and other advantages to showing instant replay at live games of close calls?
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Posted by Jim Kirk, CEO/President of Ump-Attire.com and avid fan of sports and sports officials everywhere. Find Jim on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.
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