Nice piece Bills,
Not sure if 93% s/b conisidered a successful rating but I have to say that these refs often take a bad rap...
We sit there critiquing plays after the third slow mo replay... how many times do they show the play over and we have to sit back down confirming that it was indeed the right call...
As you stated sometimes we don't appreciate the numerous concurrent responsibilities these guys have... without the benefit of 20 different camera angles... I think the better refs know how to anticipate plays and get themselves in the correct viewing position without getting screened off.

These guys are definately influenced by home crowds... It would be interesting to see the discrepency of calls home and on the road.

We often get annoyed by our players constant harping (can only imagine how other teams think about our whinning)... but the fact is...baiting works... it's not a coincidence that we have less fouls called against us (thanks Skiles)... these refs eventually begin to crack...
2nd half fouls would also be noteworthy...

The league is currently reviewing the ref abuse policies... if we win another ship, this will be the next "new rule" created at our expense.... can you imagine how hard it will be for Sheed to keep his trap shut (like college).

I'm ok with them slightly expanding the instant replay... as long as it can be done without excessive delays.... in the end the right call is what should matter... even if it cost an extra 8 minutes per game.

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Big or Bust