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Not that easy!
TweetOK. I have a confession to make. I found this challenge by NBL referees boss Mal Cooper tougher than I expected.
Like most of us, I fancy myself that I actually might know something - a dangerous conceit at the best of times - so when Mal sent me the youtube link I have below for you to also enjoy, I found out something else instead.
And that is, apart from officiating largely being a thankless job - you do a good job and no-one says boo, you screw up and the world knows - it is also a super tough gig.
Coops put together 20 (19 actually, #11 did a runner!) notable pieces of play and invited a few folks - refs, coaches, others - to offer there own adjudications.
Is it a block, a charge, a flop or a no-call?
Yes!
Finally!
But here's what I found.
One: I'm a bit of a 'hanging judge' when a player exaggerates contact.
Two: A few times I had to stop the vid, rewind and take a second (or even a third) look before making a decision.
How often does a referee get THAT opportunity?
To make the call in a split second, and get it right 100 per cent of the time would be a near miracle.
So I doffs me hat to the refs!
They are doing a way better job than we give them credit.
(Yes. Even I cannot believe I just typed that!)
Have a crack yourself. Hit the link and have a go. You can send me your judgments if you like.
I might even be able to find the "correct" answers and let you know how well you went.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJtULcOLaUc&feature=youtu.be
HERE's some bad news, so if you are in good spirits and want to stay that way, skip the next link.
