No Further Review

December 15, 2015

The rise of instant replay came with the hope if not the promise that errors by officials could and would be corrected. Now we know those expectations are not being realized.

In many cases this fall, we have watched college and professional football instant replay officials stand by helplessly because the rules of replay would not permit them to change the call on the field. In many other cases, we have watched instant replay officials make wrong calls from the replay booth.

We have always known that the high school level would not be able to perform extensive instant replay review – we don’t have the number and quality of camera angles at our games to judge the plays. But now we know that the existence of such technology does not assure the accuracy of decision-making.

So, let the so-called higher levels interrupt and prolong their games with questionable procedures that are resulting in as much acrimony as accuracy. Turns out that on this matter, the high school level is lucky to lack the resources of the college and professional game. For us, there’s no need for further review of further review.

Not Good Enough

January 1, 2016

Good is never good enough.

When Frank Lloyd Wright was asked to choose his best project, he replied – in his 80s – “My next one.”

As we turn the page from 2015 to 2016, we are content that 2015 was a good year when several large, even transformative projects were initiated and some completed.

But 2016 must be better. The challenges to educational athletics will be tougher, and the needs for serving and supporting school sports will be greater.

Good will not be good enough in 2016. Our next year must be our best year.