Fans need to advocate for accuracy rather than criticize officials

Sports officiating is certainly a thankless job.

So often a fan will hear “good call by the official” from broadcasters after a referee correctly calls a close play, but the praise just about ends there. More often than not, officials are the targets of blame for bad calls.

Photo MLB.comThere are small instances, like a called third strike that was slightly off the plate, or a missed holding call on an offensive lineman. And then there are the big screwups, like Jim Joyce’s blown call that ruined Armando Gallarraga’s perfect game back in 2010. No matter the severity of a missed call, they draw the ire of players and fans alike. Because of this, referees and umpires have the reputation of the…