“What If Sports Did Play On A Level Playing Field?”
What if no spectators at all
Would have to blame the officials
For making some appalling call?
And managers and coaches,
Did not have to ask for serious changes
Because instead technology
Was used on all stages?
What if technology was not seen
As destroying the human element?
Maybe introducing video cameras
Wouldn’t be such a detriment,
In order to make fair judgments
And satisfy any dissenting arguments?
As it would quickly highlight any infringements
Allowing the officials to make their adjustments.
What If technology eradicates all prejudice?
But instead creates a level playing field of justice,
To each and every sport it would do a great service,
And silence their critics.
Perhaps the relevant authority
Will make the usage of technology
Their number 1 priority.
It seems to be back by a supporters’ majority
With only the dissenting voices
Being the policy making minority.
Innovations in technology
Apart from addressing the issue of security,
Will lead to better quality
Of player equipment and gears.
Whilst ensuring players’ safety
Thereby reducing the fears
Of serious career-ending injury.
The usage of technology
In sports will eradicate disparity.
Instead of hearing fans accuse the official of being bias,
For instance someone screaming out “Ref yuh ah Judas! ”
Or even preventing a players’ fracas,
High level of technology would make this an anomaly.
Imagine if no one had to shout
“Idiot refaree yuh seh dat out!!” all the time,
Or upset onlookers didn’t scream,
“Dat cross di line… Yuh no see dat or a blin’ yuh blin’ ! "
Some say if we had little technology, you would find,
These nonconformists would be in decline.
The Referee could plead in his defence,
“Sirs, I honestly did not see that offence”
Until technology is instituted in sports
This excuse will constitute his innocence
Neither would any fan be justified
In shrieking “Thievin Ref, yuh bring de odda side!”
The Referee will not face any shame
Or be subjected to player’s complaint
Once he checks the camera frame.
Players would not feel cheated or pain
Or their managers left in great disdain
As the Ref’s decision is correct and without blame.
Take for instance, the match with Ireland and France
Had the referee had camera assistance,
Probably he would have taken another stance,
After one simple reviewing glance,
And the Irish would get a fighting chance?
What If they installed Instant Replay?
What would the critics then say?
They might claim the game it would unduly delay.
Too many stoppages to interrupt the momentum of the play
The disruptions will make the viewers’ minds stray.
But at least they will enjoy a fair match day.
What If in the game between the Germans and England,
Had the Lampard disallowed goal stand,
Who is to say that England wouldn’t be in the next round?
Since they were World Cup Finals bound?
They were likely to win the crown.
Only to be denied by the angle of how the ball came down,
Just because there was no goal-line technology around
What If technology was here to stay?
The extra officials wouldn’t need to be paid,
But the likelihood of refereeing blunders,
Will definitely plummet,
If the governing bodies would invest
And prevent these costly errors.
What if these anti-technology critics
Did not question the logic or physics
Of implementing technology,
But rather assisted in making solutions
Or even suggested their own innovations?
What if technology proves to be the saviour of sports
By bringing back fans to the pools, fields and courts?
It would be beneficial to all
Including the neutrals,
As it would ensure that the officials are impartial.
What if sports was played on a level playing field
Would we get a fair deal?
As nobody can dispute the facts of the reel
Because technology isn’t reinventing the wheel.
(c)A. Williams, 2013
#WhatIfSportsDidPlayOnALevelPlayingField?