The difference between watching live, ringside, as opposed to on a screen(judging):

I remember one of the first amateur boxing events I had ever attended leaving a lasting impression on me in regards to judging. I was there ringside as an assistant to our coach for my younger brother's match. This is not about his match though.

One particluar match that day was an absolute beat down. This kid had serious power and you could feel each punch resonate through the gym. It felt absolutely terrible for his opponent, who, although, resilient and fought back hard, had nothing for him. It was a three round match and the referee stopped it halfway through the third.

My family had been there too and later I asked one of them if they'd recorded that particular match. They did and to my surprise, it looked like an absolutely different match with the eventual loser actually outstriking his opponent. On screen, it was a close fight, and honestly, it was hard to tell why the referee even stopped it.

That day really opened my eyes to what judges see, hear and feel as opposed to what we see on screen.

 

cool story

 

cool story

 

cool post

 

Cecil approves this thread

 

Actually was a cool story. We all know it's possible, but to witness is first hand is probably a bit more profound.

I'm sure the sounds of shots can be deceiving sometimes (cue Goldie: "..that leg kick made a loud slapping noise, but it's the thud that tells you when it really lands."), but I'm assuming more often than not, it'll help tell the story of the fight. It's like watching a movie with no score.... totally different.

 

Not really a salient point there fella. I think i know what you are digging at though. Maybe have judged watching on a screen as opposed to sitting ringside?

 

I've also seen many "Cecils".

Some judges are constantly talking and joking amongst other officials, audience members and even coaches in the middle of matches. To them, they were just judging inconsequential amateur matches at tiny events. It made my blood boil.

 

I've had similar experiences with basketball. I'll be at a game and when I get home and see the highlights on sports center and there talking about a guy had 30 points and when I left the game I thought he had 17 or 18.