The ongoing officials shortage in youth and high school sports across the nation stems directly from an entitled mentality exhibited by players, parents, and fans. This issue was on full display during the Iowa vs. UConn women’s Final Four game. With just three seconds left, an official called an illegal offensive screen against UConn. The ball was awarded to Iowa, preventing UConn from completing the upset.
We all wanted to see the result!
Everyone was eager to witness what would happen as Paige Bueckers came off the screen to receive the pass at the three-point line. Would she take the shot, pass to the screener, or find another teammate cutting to the hoop? Unfortunately, due to the illegal screen, we’ll never know. While the debate over whether the call should have been made will persist, the fact remains: it was the correct call.
What we want is irrelevant!
Following the game, Iowa’s Gabbie Marshall deleted her social media accounts due to the flood of hateful comments she received. It’s baffling to think that anyone would attack a college athlete over an incident entirely beyond her control. The only explanation is entitlement. This is a college athlete who gave everything she had defending Paige Bueckers in that game. Instead of criticizing her, we should be applauding her effort.
As for the official involved in the call, there’s no telling the kind of scrutiny they’ve faced, though it’s likely considerable. Officiating is incredibly challenging. I learned this firsthand when I officiated my first game after years of coaching. It quickly became apparent that no one should coach without first officiating a game themselves. Officials can’t catch everything, and fans don’t see everything either—and often, fans don’t fully understand the rules. Instead of berating officials, let’s thank them for ensuring the games we love can continue.
Lose the entitled mentality! The call is final!
Whether the call was “correct” or not is irrelevant. The official made the call. End of story. This is sports, and this is what makes it so unique. There isn’t a committee ensuring every outcome is perfectly fair or tailored to appease everyone’s opinion. There are no do-overs because someone didn’t like the result. Once the officials leave the field of play, the outcome is final.
Sports, like life, are shaped by more than a single event or call. It’s crucial to remember this the next time you consider attacking a college athlete or an official over an outcome you didn’t like. Let’s do better.
BtL
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