The phrase describes a scenario the place the officiating in a sporting contest involving the College of Tennessee is executed at a substandard degree. As an illustration, incorrect calls may very well be made, guidelines may very well be misapplied, or recreation administration is likely to be inadequate, all negatively impacting the equity and stream of the competitors. The notion of poor officiating can come up from subjective interpretations, demonstrable errors, or a mixture of each.
The standard of officiating in any sport carries important weight, influencing workforce efficiency, recreation outcomes, and public notion. Traditionally, disputes over officiating have led to escalated tensions, impacting fan morale, workforce reputations, and even the integrity of the game itself. Honest and correct officiating is important for sustaining a degree enjoying discipline and fostering belief within the aggressive course of.
Evaluation of particular situations of officiating efficiency shall be coated within the following sections. It will embody scrutiny of explicit performs, an examination of rule interpretations, and dialogue of the potential penalties arising from perceived errors in judgement. Moreover, examination of the broader affect on the Tennessee workforce, its followers, and the game itself shall be addressed.
1. Inaccurate name
An inaccurate name, within the context of collegiate athletics, notably when it entails a Tennessee Volunteers recreation, represents a pivotal factor throughout the broader drawback of substandard officiating. It isn’t merely a mistake; it’s a potential inflection level that may dramatically alter the course of a recreation. Take into account the hypothetical, but all-too-familiar, state of affairs: Tennessee, trailing by a single level with seconds remaining, executes a superb play, seemingly securing a game-winning discipline purpose. Nevertheless, an official throws a flag, citing a phantom holding penalty. The kick is nullified, Tennessee loses, and the post-game narrative is dominated not by the workforce’s effort, however by the perceived injustice of the decision.
The importance of such an inaccurate name extends past the fast win or loss. It fuels mistrust, each throughout the fan base and probably throughout the workforce itself. Gamers could start to query the impartiality of the officiating, resulting in frustration and a decline in efficiency. Furthermore, the incident turns into fodder for sports activities commentators and on-line discussions, additional amplifying the notion of biased or incompetent officiating. The echo of that single inaccurate name can resonate all through the rest of the season, impacting workforce morale and general efficiency. Such errors spotlight that substandard officiating doesn’t exist in a vacuum, however quite as a sequence of consequential selections able to shaping your complete narrative of a recreation and a season.
Understanding the particular affect of inaccurate calls is essential for analyzing the general high quality of officiating. Whereas perfection is unattainable, a constant sample of questionable selections necessitates nearer scrutiny of coaching applications, analysis processes, and accountability measures for referees. In the end, mitigating the adverse affect of officiating errors requires a dedication to transparency and steady enchancment throughout the officiating system. The reminiscence of such calls lingers, underscoring the significance of striving for accuracy and equity in each contest, irrespective of the game or the stakes.
2. Missed violation
The stadium held its breath. Tennessee, down by three, drove relentlessly towards the tip zone within the waning seconds. A scrambling quarterback, poised to throw the game-winning landing, absorbed a success that was, to many eyes within the stands and at house, undeniably late. But, the whistle remained silent. The flag stayed tucked away. A collective groan echoed by means of the stands because the play ended, the clock expired, and victory slipped by means of Tennessee’s fingers. This was not merely a loss; it was a stark illustration of a missed violation contributing to the narrative of poorly officiated video games. The missed name turned greater than an oversight; it turned an emblem of perceived injustice, solidifying the declare that the referees had failed of their basic obligation: to uphold the integrity of the sport. A missed violation, in such essential moments, transforms from a possible error right into a defining second that shapes not solely the result however the notion of equity itself.
The ripple results of this missed violation prolong far past the ultimate rating. It fuels the narrative of bias, notably among the many passionate Tennessee fan base. Social media explodes with outrage, accusations fly, and the referees turn into targets of intense scrutiny. Sport evaluation focuses much less on the workforce’s efficiency and extra on the officiating failures. The incident taints the victory for the opposing workforce, who could themselves really feel uneasy in regards to the circumstances. Furthermore, such extremely seen missed calls can erode belief in your complete officiating system, main followers to query the integrity of the game itself. The sensible significance of this understanding lies in recognizing that constant missed violations will not be remoted incidents however potential catalysts for wider mistrust and animosity.
Understanding the gravity of missed violations, particularly in important recreation conditions, is paramount. Whereas human error is inevitable, a sample of ignored infractions raises critical considerations in regards to the high quality of officiating. Addressing this difficulty requires elevated coaching, stricter accountability, and probably the implementation of assessment processes to appropriate egregious errors in real-time. In the end, the goal is to attenuate the affect of missed violations, making certain that video games are determined by the gamers on the sphere, not by the shortcomings of these tasked with implementing the principles. The pursuit of honest and correct officiating just isn’t merely about stopping losses; it is about preserving the spirit of competitors and sustaining the religion of the followers.
3. Inconsistent enforcement
The autumn air crackled with anticipation as Tennessee lined up for an important third down. The receiver, combating for place, was clearly bumped earlier than the ball arrived, an motion that, earlier within the recreation, had drawn a right away flag for defensive go interference. This time, nonetheless, the whistle remained silent. The play continued, Tennessee did not convert, and the drive stalled. This single second, seemingly insignificant within the grand scheme of a soccer recreation, illuminated a deeper drawback: inconsistent enforcement. It wasn’t merely about that one missed name; it was in regards to the shifting sands of what constituted a penalty, a fluctuation that left gamers, coaches, and followers bewildered and pissed off. It was inconsistent enforcement of penalties.
Inconsistent enforcement turns into an important part of what it means to referee any recreation poorly. It cultivates a way of arbitrariness, the place the principles seem to bend to the whims of the officers quite than offering a transparent and predictable framework for competitors. For Tennessee, this may manifest in a wide range of methods. A holding name that’s flagged aggressively within the first quarter out of the blue disappears within the fourth, when the sport hangs within the steadiness. A strict interpretation of go interference early on provides technique to a extra lenient method because the stakes rise. The impact is destabilizing, eroding belief and breeding resentment. Gamers turn into hesitant, uncertain of what they’ll and can’t do. Coaches are left scrambling, attempting to decipher the unwritten guidelines of engagement. And followers, witnessing the shifting panorama of officiating, start to query the equity of your complete contest. Every recreation is completely different, inconsistent
The sensible significance of understanding the hyperlink between inconsistent enforcement and perceptions of poor officiating lies in its potential options. Addressing this difficulty requires a multi-pronged method. Elevated coaching for referees is important, specializing in uniformity in deciphering and making use of the principles. Accountability measures are additionally important, making certain that officers are held accountable for sustaining consistency all through the sport. Maybe most significantly, transparency is required, with officers offering clear explanations for his or her calls and a willingness to confess errors. Inconsistent enforcement taints the sport, it takes away from the game.
4. Biased notion
The roar of the gang was deafening, a sea of orange and white rising in protest. An in depth name, a borderline play, and the referee’s arm shot out, signaling a penalty in opposition to Tennessee. Instantly, the seeds of doubt had been sown. It wasn’t merely in regards to the name itself, however a few pervasive feeling that had been constructing for years: a biased notion. It urged that the officers entered the sport not as neutral arbiters, however with a unconscious, or even perhaps acutely aware, predisposition in opposition to the Volunteers. This notion, whether or not grounded in actuality or fueled by fanatical fervor, turned a big factor within the narrative of poorly officiated video games. Each questionable name, each missed holding penalty, each marginal go interference turned proof in a long-standing case, solidifying the assumption that Tennessee was not getting a good shake. The biased notion turned actuality.
The affect of this biased notion is far-reaching. It erodes the boldness of gamers, who start to second-guess themselves, questioning if they’re being judged by a distinct normal. It creates a poisonous ambiance within the stadium, the place each name is met with suspicion and hostility. And it fuels a story of victimhood among the many fan base, who really feel that their workforce is continually combating in opposition to each the opposing workforce and the referees. This biased notion usually creates a self-fulfilling prophecy, the place the assumption that the officers are in opposition to Tennessee results in heightened scrutiny of each name, reinforcing the preliminary suspicion, and this adverse cycle continues.
Understanding the connection between biased notion and the notion of poorly officiated video games is important for sustaining the integrity of collegiate athletics. Whereas eliminating subjective interpretation solely is not possible, recognizing the affect of notion is essential. Referee coaching ought to incorporate components designed to mitigate bias, each acutely aware and unconscious. Impartial oversight of officiating crews, coupled with clear assessment processes, may help to make sure equity and accountability. In the end, combating the biased notion just isn’t merely about enhancing the accuracy of calls; it is about fostering belief and making certain that each one groups, together with Tennessee, are judged pretty and impartially, on the deserves of their efficiency alone. The notion of impartiality must be established.
5. Altered momentum
The stadium throbbed with vitality. Tennessee, a workforce reborn after a shaky begin, had clawed its manner again into the sport. A sequence of electrifying performs a diving catch, a bone-jarring deal with, a superbly executed trick play had ignited the gang and visibly deflated the opposition. The momentum, that intangible pressure that may swing a recreation on its axis, was firmly in Tennessee’s grasp. Then, a flag. A questionable holding name, seemingly out of nowhere, negated an important first down. The drive stalled. The opposing workforce regained possession. The vitality within the stadium dissipated like smoke. In that single, ill-timed whistle, the momentum, so painstakingly constructed, had been abruptly and irrevocably altered. This alteration, instantly attributable to a referee’s resolution, turned a tangible instance of how poor officiating can instantly affect the stream and end result of a recreation. The altering turned some extent of competition for everybody.
The affect of such altered momentum extends far past the fast play. Momentum is a robust psychological pressure, influencing not solely the gamers on the sphere but in addition the coaches, the followers, and even the opposing workforce. When a workforce is driving excessive on momentum, they play with confidence, aggression, and a way of invincibility. When that momentum is abruptly stolen by a questionable name, it could possibly have a devastating impact. Gamers turn into hesitant, second-guessing themselves and their teammates. Coaches are pressured to regulate their recreation plan, attempting to recapture the misplaced vitality. The gang, deflated and pissed off, loses its voice. And the opposing workforce, sensing the shift, seizes the chance to capitalize on Tennessee’s misfortune. The shift of vitality has a long-lasting affect on everybody. It has even impacted the ultimate rating of the match.
Understanding the important relationship between altered momentum and poor officiating is important for sustaining equity and integrity in sports activities. Whereas momentum is an inherent a part of any aggressive contest, it needs to be earned, not stolen by inconsistent or inaccurate calls. Referees have to be conscious about the potential affect of their selections, striving to make calls that aren’t solely appropriate but in addition constant and neutral. Overview processes may help to appropriate egregious errors that alter momentum unfairly. In the end, the purpose is to make sure that video games are determined by the gamers on the sphere, not by the arbitrary whims of the officers. The shift in vitality must be addressed.
6. Eroded belief
The narrative unfolded over years, every season including one other chapter to a rising saga of perceived injustice. It started subtly, with murmured complaints after notably harsh calls, dismissed as the same old lamentations of a passionate fanbase. However the frequency elevated, the incidents turned extra obvious, and the murmurs grew right into a roar of discontent. A sample emerged: essential penalties known as in opposition to Tennessee at pivotal moments, missed holding calls that negated game-changing performs, and a basic sense that the officiating crew was working underneath a distinct algorithm for the Volunteers. With every perceived infraction, a chunk of the muse crumbled. What was as soon as a bedrock of religion within the integrity of the sport turned riddled with cracks, till solely a fragile shell remained. It was not merely about particular person calls; it was about one thing much more profound: eroded belief.
The sensible penalties of this eroded belief are far-reaching. Recruits, cautious of becoming a member of a program continually battling not solely opponents but in addition the officers, would possibly select to go elsewhere. Alumni, disillusioned by the perceived unfairness, could turn into much less keen to donate to the college. And maybe most importantly, the gamers themselves start to lose religion. A participant, already dealing with the immense stress of performing on the highest degree, now should additionally take care of the suspicion that the deck is stacked in opposition to him. This will result in hesitation, a reluctance to take dangers, and finally, a decline in efficiency. The intangible value of that damaged belief far outweighed any single unhealthy name, unhealthy recreation.
Rebuilding that belief requires a concerted effort, a dedication to transparency and accountability at each degree of the officiating course of. It requires not solely improved coaching and analysis for referees, but in addition a willingness to acknowledge previous errors and to deal with the notion of bias, nonetheless unfounded it might appear. It’s a lengthy and arduous course of, fraught with challenges. However the different is much worse: a continued erosion of religion, resulting in a decline in this system and a diminished spirit of competitors. It means acknowledging and dealing to deal with the components that erode belief. Acknowledgment builds belief, belief is required for future development.
7. Fan outrage
The digital panorama, painted orange by fervent Tennessee Volunteers supporters, usually erupts when officiating is deemed substandard. It begins with remoted cries, singular voices decrying missed calls or perceived biases. However as the sport progresses, and the perceived errors mount, these particular person voices coalesce right into a refrain of discontent. Social media platforms turn into battlegrounds, hashtags trending with accusations of incompetence or, worse, outright corruption. The stadium itself transforms, the cheers turning into jeers, the passionate help morphing into collective expressions of anger and frustration. Every questionable name acts as a spark, igniting a wildfire of fan outrage that consumes on-line boards, discuss radio, and even spills over into real-life confrontations. This collective expression is extra than simply venting; it’s a direct consequence of officiating that fails to fulfill the expectations of equity and accuracy.
The sensible significance of fan outrage can’t be ignored. It instantly impacts the college’s status, probably affecting recruitment and alumni relations. Sponsors could hesitate to affiliate with a program mired in controversy. The ambiance surrounding the workforce turns into poisonous, making a adverse suggestions loop that may have an effect on participant efficiency. One instance stands out: a very contentious recreation in opposition to a rival faculty noticed a surge in on-line petitions calling for the elimination of the officiating crew. Whereas the petitions had been finally unsuccessful, they highlighted the depth of the fan outrage and the potential for it to translate into real-world penalties. One other occasion of fan outrage resulting in actual world end result was the implementation of higher reviewing insurance policies of the referees. Every questionable name is additional and extra intently reviewed as a direct results of the outrage.
In the end, fan outrage serves as a barometer of officiating high quality. Whereas a point of criticism is inevitable in any sport, persistent and widespread discontent alerts a deeper drawback. Addressing this requires a proactive method, together with improved referee coaching, larger transparency in officiating selections, and a willingness to acknowledge and proper errors. Ignoring the voice of the followers just isn’t solely disrespectful but in addition short-sighted. By listening to and addressing their considerations, the game can attempt for a better normal of equity and accuracy, thereby mitigating the potential for fan outrage and preserving the integrity of the sport.
8. Reputational injury
The crisp autumn air carried extra than simply the scent of turning leaves and tailgate smoke; it carried the load of expectation. The College of Tennessee Volunteers, a workforce steeped in custom and satisfaction, had taken the sphere with the hopes of a complete state resting on their shoulders. However as the sport unfolded, a distinct narrative started to emerge, one not of gridiron glory, however of officiating controversy. Every questionable name, every missed penalty, turned a brushstroke on a canvas of rising discontent. The whispers began within the stands, amplified throughout social media, and shortly coalesced right into a deafening refrain of shock. However past the fast frustration of a misplaced recreation, one thing much more insidious was taking root: reputational injury. It wasn’t simply the workforce’s document that suffered; it was the picture of the college, the integrity of the game itself, and the belief of a loyal fanbase, all tarnished by the notion of unfair play. Briefly, the act of referees officiating a Tennessee recreation poorly prompted immense hurt to the entire sports activities group from the college to the gamers.
Take into account the story of a extremely touted recruit, a five-star athlete weighing his choices between a number of prestigious applications. He attended a recreation in Knoxville, desperate to expertise the electrifying ambiance and envision himself within the orange and white. However what he witnessed was not the joy of competitors, however a sequence of questionable calls that appeared to persistently favor the opposing workforce. Afterward, he confided in his coach: “It felt like they had been enjoying in opposition to extra than simply the opposite workforce. I am undecided I need to be a part of one thing like that.” That single recreation, marred by perceived officiating errors, could have value Tennessee a invaluable asset. Or replicate on the dwindling attendance figures after a sequence of video games the place questionable calls had been ample. Lengthy-time season ticket holders, disillusioned by what they perceived as a rigged system, merely stopped exhibiting up. “Why waste my cash,” one disgruntled fan wrote in a web based discussion board, “when the result appears predetermined?” Thus, the connection between referees’ poor efficiency and a decline within the status of the college itself turn into entwined.
The hyperlink between substandard officiating and reputational injury is plain. It underscores the necessity for transparency, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in each facet of the sport, together with the efficiency of the officers. Whereas errors are inevitable, a constant sample of questionable calls erodes belief and undermines the very basis of honest play. The College of Tennessee, like several establishment reliant on public help, should actively handle these considerations, making certain that the integrity of the game is upheld and that the status of this system stays untarnished. It isn’t nearly successful video games; it is about incomes and sustaining the respect of followers, recruits, and the broader athletic group. In the long term, a status for equity and integrity is much extra invaluable than any single victory that has been made unfair.
9. Sport end result
The ultimate rating, etched in document books and eternally imprinted in reminiscence, serves as the final word arbiter of victory and defeat. Nevertheless, the story of a recreation’s end result hardly ever unfolds in a vacuum. When officiating falls beneath acceptable requirements, the narrative shifts, and the end result turns into tainted. Take into account a state of affairs: Tennessee, trailing by a mere level with seconds remaining, makes an attempt a game-winning discipline purpose. The kick sails by means of the uprights, sending the gang right into a frenzy. However a late flag seems. Holding, says the official, a name many understand as questionable, even phantom. The kick is nullified, the sport misplaced. The ultimate rating, a stark illustration of defeat, belies the fact: the sport’s end result was not solely decided by the gamers on the sphere, but in addition by the subjective interpretation and, arguably, the misapplication of the principles.
Situations of officiating influencing recreation outcomes are quite a few all through sports activities historical past. A missed offsides name resulting in an important purpose in soccer, an incorrect strike zone dedication that leads to a baseball workforce’s elimination, or a blatant go interference that denies a soccer workforce a championship-winning drive all underscore the numerous affect of officiating on the ultimate rating. When officiating is perceived as poor, the sport’s end result turns into suspect, casting a shadow over the successful workforce’s achievement and fueling resentment among the many shedding workforce’s supporters. What might have been a memorable win, or a noble defeat, turns right into a bitter dispute, eternally linked to the perceived injustice of the officiating. Subsequently, the sport is affected by referees poorly efficiency and there may be little to no room to problem such end result.
The importance of understanding this connection lies within the pursuit of equity and integrity in sports activities. Whereas human error is inevitable, a constant sample of officiating errors that demonstrably affect recreation outcomes calls for scrutiny. Improved coaching, stricter accountability, and the implementation of know-how to assessment important performs may help to attenuate the affect of officiating on the ultimate rating. Guaranteeing that video games are determined by the gamers, not by the referees’ errors, is paramount to preserving the spirit of competitors and sustaining the belief of followers. The sport and the rating matter, its impact can change individuals’s lives eternally.
Continuously Requested Questions
These questions handle frequent inquiries and considerations concerning the implications when officiating in a College of Tennessee athletic contest is perceived as subpar.
Query 1: Why does it appear that controversial calls all the time go in opposition to Tennessee?
Notion is usually a highly effective pressure. Whereas it might seem that unfavorable calls disproportionately have an effect on Tennessee, statistical proof hardly ever helps a scientific bias. The excessive stakes and passionate fanbase amplify the affect of errors, resulting in a heightened consciousness of adverse calls. Human reminiscence additionally tends to favor adverse experiences, reinforcing the notion of unfair therapy.
Query 2: What recourse does the College of Tennessee have when officiating is persistently poor?
The college can formally lodge complaints with the related athletic convention, offering particular examples of officiating errors. These complaints can set off inside opinions and probably result in improved coaching or reassignment of officers. Nevertheless, overturning recreation outcomes primarily based on officiating errors is exceedingly uncommon.
Query 3: How do officiating errors affect participant morale and efficiency?
Repeatedly experiencing perceived injustices can erode participant confidence and belief within the equity of the sport. This will result in hesitation, decreased effort, and a basic sense of discouragement, finally affecting on-field efficiency. Coaches should actively handle these considerations to take care of workforce cohesion and motivation.
Query 4: Does fan outrage over officiating errors have any tangible impact?
Whereas fan outrage hardly ever instantly adjustments officiating practices, it could possibly not directly affect media protection, college administration insurance policies, and even the recruitment course of. Sustained and vocal discontent could stress governing our bodies to implement reforms or enhance oversight of officiating crews.
Query 5: What measures are in place to make sure accountability for referees who make repeated errors?
Most athletic conferences have analysis programs for referees, which take note of accuracy, rule data, and recreation administration. Officers who persistently carry out poorly could also be topic to extra coaching, probation, and even termination. Nevertheless, the specifics of those processes are sometimes confidential.
Query 6: Is there any risk of instantaneous replay or video assessment being expanded to deal with extra varieties of officiating errors?
Using instantaneous replay is a fancy difficulty, balancing the will for accuracy with the necessity to preserve the stream of the sport. Whereas some advocate for expanded replay capabilities, others concern that it will result in extreme delays and additional subjective interpretations. Any adjustments to replay guidelines would doubtless be applied regularly and with cautious consideration of the potential penalties.
Officiating controversies are an unlucky however inevitable a part of sports activities. Addressing these points requires a dedication to transparency, accountability, and a steady pursuit of enchancment in any respect ranges of the sport.
The following part will delve into potential reforms to enhance officiating requirements and mitigate the adverse penalties of poor efficiency.
Mitigating the Fallout
The sting of perceived injustice lingers lengthy after the ultimate whistle. When a recreation involving Tennessee is marred by questionable officiating, the implications ripple by means of this system, impacting gamers, coaches, and followers alike. Nevertheless, as a substitute of succumbing to despair, classes may be extracted from these experiences to fortify this system in opposition to future adversity.
Tip 1: Domesticate Psychological Fortitude: Throughout video games the place the officiating seems skewed, sustaining psychological composure turns into paramount. Gamers needs to be educated to keep away from reacting impulsively to unfavorable calls, focusing as a substitute on executing their performs with precision. A workforce assembly after a troublesome loss to a rival was devoted to psychological fortitude, the gamers needed to put the injustice of the referees behind and work arduous on the subsequent recreation
Tip 2: Doc and Analyze: Following a recreation tormented by officiating errors, meticulously doc the particular situations and their potential affect. This evaluation can function invaluable proof when lodging complaints with the athletic convention, highlighting patterns of questionable selections.
Tip 3: Emphasize Sportsmanship: Even when dealing with perceived injustice, preserve a excessive normal of sportsmanship. Keep away from public criticism of officers and give attention to controlling the controllable: effort, execution, and perspective. A workforce captain as soon as publically apologized for the way the referees preformed as a result of he believed that his feedback made the scenario worse for his workforce and the referee crew that was accountable for the officiating error.
Tip 4: Foster a Supportive Tradition: Acknowledge that officiating controversies can take a toll on morale. Create a supportive workforce setting the place gamers can categorical their frustrations with out concern of judgment. Coaches ought to present reassurance and emphasize that the workforce’s success finally will depend on their very own efficiency.
Tip 5: Interact Constructively: Encourage followers to specific their considerations in a respectful and constructive method. Keep away from private assaults and give attention to advocating for systemic enhancements in officiating. Host a gathering for the followers to air their points and what they believed was flawed with the referee’s efficiency.
Tip 6: Anticipate Adversity: Put together gamers for the opportunity of dealing with unfavorable officiating. Simulate difficult recreation conditions in observe and practice them to take care of their composure and focus even when dealing with adversity. One instance stands out was the place the workforce practiced for situations that there have been referee errors and not permit these errors to impact their enjoying.
By embracing these classes, this system cannot solely navigate the fast challenges posed by poor officiating, but in addition domesticate resilience, foster a constructive tradition, and advocate for enhancements that profit your complete sport.
With this in thoughts, there needs to be some room for closure on the matter.
The Unseen Hand
The exploration into conditions the place people “referees a tennessee recreation poorly” has revealed a story woven with threads of frustration, disappointment, and a simmering sense of injustice. Every examined factor inaccurate calls, missed violations, inconsistent enforcement, biased notion, altered momentum, eroded belief, fan outrage, reputational injury, and recreation end result acts as a brushstroke, portray a portrait of a contest the place the ideas of honest play are jeopardized. The echoes of those occasions resound past the ultimate rating, impacting the morale of gamers, the loyalty of followers, and the status of the college.
The presence of succesful referees is vital to any recreation. A Tennessee recreation ought to have nice referees, however the story serves as a reminder of the fragile steadiness between athletic competitors and the human factor of officiating. It underscores the need for vigilance, accountability, and a relentless dedication to upholding the integrity of the game. Whereas the pursuit of perfection could also be an unattainable ideally suited, the search for equity should stay unwavering, making certain that the unseen hand of the referee doesn’t inadvertently dictate the future of the sport.