UKLAXFAN wrote:The Umpires are the sole proprietors of the rules of the game
but even they get paid to umpire and to get the best games they must please their paymasters.
who are the very people who want to win at all costs.
First, the officials are not the sole proprietors of the rules of the game. It's the players game. That is like saying the police are the sole proprietors of the laws. They/we just enforce the rules. Players are expected to play within the confines of the rules, Like citizens they are expected to obey the laws of the land. For those that don't, they get penalized. Yes nothing is illegal until you are caught however players are responsible for their own actions.
Finally, Officials with integrity do not let a pay packet influence their calls. We may let play go a little, but do not confuse this with referees not caring about player safety. Given the greater likelihood for lawsuits when serious injuries occur, officials are trained to always make these calls. Player safety is the principal reason we do the job.
Perhaps this is a discussion for another part of the forum