Judgment Calls Have Gotten Out of Hand

There are some worldly observers who believe that sports is infantile, that shedding tears over a defeat in a meaningless game is chi-chi and that it is gauche to argue on national television whether a ball bounced in or out. I am glad for the existence of such people because every time I hear their kaffeeklatsch chatter, I thank God that, in sports, I have an endeavor in which, at some point, all the talking stops.

Games, matches and contests should be decided on the field, by the players who each have an equal opportunity to win.

Finger-pointing, arguments and protests have never been more apparent and the recent instant-replay rule seems just a shield for officials instead of a help to the game. Basketball has long since gotten out of hand with inconsistent judgment calls and reached the zenith of incompetency when Brent Musberger decided a game that could cost UNLV a national championship. Even the sainted game of golf has been invaded by toadying pencil-pushers who invoke the slow-play rule, penalizing unwary contestants two strokes seemingly on a whim.

I think it is better for one person to win unfairly in the heat of battle and let the world judge, than to penalize one competitor unfairly and thus create a winner out of bad judgment.

LES KAMM

Escondido