Experiencing the Mistakes of Incompetent Referees Again and Again

The Paris Olympics have started with the opening ceremony, and various competitions are underway. Speaking specifically about judo, I once again witnessed the poor judgment of an incompetent referee.

I remember the previous incident where a Japanese male judoka couldn't win gold due to the referee ignoring an Uchimata counter. This time, despite a female referee signaling and calling for "matte" (stop), the Japanese athlete stopped attacking and defending as instructed. However, the opponent ignored the matte call and continued to strangle the Japanese athlete. In the end, the referee declared a victory by ippon for the opponent who disregarded the matte call.

This indecisive and incompetent act by the referee not only shows a lack of ability but also disrupts the flow of the match completely. This behavior goes against the spirit of judo and sportsmanship and will be remembered as a disgraceful act.

Not limited to judo, as long as referees are human, there will be many incompetent referees who make emotional and careless decisions without proper observation. Even in Major League Baseball in the U.S., there are times when umpires clearly call a ball a strike. Such referees, who lack professional integrity, are unnecessary and should be dismissed immediately.

As for the female referee in the men's 60kg judo match, after watching the replay multiple times, it's clear she changed her decision midway and declared a victory by ippon for the opponent. This demonstrates that she lacks both the skill and the qualities required of a referee. The fact that such a low-level individual was selected as an Olympic referee raises serious questions about the IOC's criteria for referee selection.

I rewatched the matte scene a few minutes ago. The female referee, with her shifty eyes and clueless expression, appeared incredibly foolish. I can't help but urge for her immediate dismissal.

Lastly, I would like to hear what the media on-site think about this incorrect judgment. Japan should strongly appeal against this and overturn the erroneous referee decision. Furthermore, the responsibility of the referees involved should be thoroughly pursued.

理不尽なる蛮行｜西田親生@D&L｜note

異業種交流ポータルサイト「ロゼッタストーン」

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Impressions on "Experiencing the Mistakes of Incompetent Referees Again and Again"

The essay titled "Experiencing the Mistakes of Incompetent Referees Again and Again" expresses deep frustration and disappointment with the quality of refereeing witnessed during the judo competitions at the Paris Olympics. The writer highlights specific incidents, particularly focusing on a female referee's controversial decision in the men's 60kg judo match, which resulted in an unjust victory for the opponent due to the referee's incompetence.

The narrative effectively conveys the emotional turmoil experienced by the athletes and the viewers. The writer's vivid recollection of past incidents, such as the Japanese male judoka's unfair loss due to an ignored Uchimata counter, adds historical context and emphasizes the recurring nature of such issues. This historical perspective enriches the essay, allowing readers to understand that the problem is not isolated but part of a larger pattern of referee incompetence.

The essay is marked by a strong critique of the refereeing standards at the Olympics, questioning the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) criteria for selecting referees. The writer's call for the immediate dismissal of the incompetent referee underscores the urgency and severity of the situation. This critique extends beyond judo, touching on similar issues in Major League Baseball, thereby highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

One of the essay's strengths is its passionate tone, which effectively captures the writer's indignation. Phrases like "lack of ability," "disrupts the flow of the match completely," and "disgraceful act" are powerful and convey the writer's strong emotions. The vivid description of the female referee's indecisive actions, her "shifty eyes and clueless expression," paints a clear picture of the writer’s disdain and frustration.

The essay’s conclusion, urging Japan to appeal against the incorrect judgment and hold the referees accountable, reinforces the need for accountability and justice in sports. This call to action not only highlights the writer’s desire for fairness but also serves as a rallying cry for others who may have witnessed similar injustices.

However, the essay could benefit from a more balanced perspective. While the writer's frustration is understandable, acknowledging the challenges referees face and the potential for human error could provide a more nuanced view. Additionally, proposing constructive solutions or reforms for referee training and selection could enhance the essay’s impact by offering a path forward rather than solely focusing on criticism.

Overall, the essay is a compelling and passionate critique of the current state of refereeing in judo and other sports. It effectively communicates the writer's deep frustration and calls for necessary changes to ensure fairness and integrity in competitive sports.