Sportsmanship and Refereeing at the 2013 College Championships
by Bob Hanscom
February 12, 2013 - "One of the unique aspects of college squash is that players officiate matches. The referees for college basketball games, for instance, are hired by schools to officiate."
Say what!? It's time for squash to make a change! It's not only the college sport of basketball, but sports like football, hockey, gymnastics, soccer, etc., etc. that hire "professional" referees and/or judges. ALL these sports (except for tennis) "hire" professional referees/judges to assure (at least make the effort) that the right "calls" are made.
You cannot tell me that schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc., etc. cannot afford to budget for professional squash referees! It's not fair and just (way) too much to expect these kids to perform as knowledgeable "professional" referees do, especially with all the pressure and emotion involved.
Even with "professional" referees assigned to PSA and/or WSA major tournaments involving a great deal of money and important ranking points, mistakes are made! Should we ask or expect our college kids to do as good and/or a better job than do the "professionals?" I don't think so!
As everyone is aware of now, even when employing "professional" referees - they've gone to an instant replay TV "video review" refereeing system when the referee's decision is challenged and then appealed.
How could our great college "players" ever expect to conduct themselves in a way equal to that - being responsible for assuring that good "Sportsmanship and Refereeing" at college level squash be maintained. It really isn't fair - and way too much to ask.
Colleges...be fair to your (male and female) squash players...budget appropriately!
Footnote: Check out this article: http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2013/02/12/32704/.
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