DODD SAYS JUDGES WHO ARE OFF WILL BE OFFED!
San Francisco, CA- Had a short conversation yesterday with George Dodd, the man who runs the California State Athletic Commission. My reason in calling was to inquire about an item I read in Dave Meltzer?s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that the commission will now be reviewing the scorecards of all judges. Mr. Dodd confirmed such and said he thinks the process can only improve judging overall, something people have been clamoring for for years. Accountability, no more house judging, Dodd seems to have found his footing on this issue.
PUTTING JUDGES ON NOTICE IS GREAT, HOW ABOUT ANUAL EYE EXAMS?
Having broached this subject with past Executive Officers of the California Commission, I was pleasantly surprised at Dodd?s move. For years, one LA based judge in particular, whose integrity has been questioned time and again, gets a lot of gigs and seemingly has the ?house? fighter winning when the other two jurists don?t! This will enable Dodd to weed out the judges that can make a night at the fights suck to the point where you walk away saying to yourself, ?Who should I believe, those judges or my lying eyes??
DODD THINKING HARD ON YEARLY EYE EXAMS
While discussing the judging review, I asked Dodd if any of his judges take eye exams? He answered to the negative, and I pointed out that people as they age, their vision can change dramatically in two years. I mean, I?ve been ringside and I?m watching judges squinting for the entire three minute session of battle. He mentioned that referees have to pass an annual physical, but judges don?t. I asked how extensive the referee?s eye exam is, and Dodd said it was part of a regular physical, which means the old ?E? eye chart from ten feet away is the extent of the optical examinations. In closing, Dodd agreed with me on the need for annual eye exams, this before I wished him Happy Holidays!
