Headphones help cancel bad judging, says WBC

Feb

So the WBC is working to improve the performance of judges working pro shows. That’s admirable. It’s one of the top three things on the Must Fix List regarding the sweet science.

But …

Here is the release the sanctioning body sent out:

“The WBC would like to report the status of the pilot program of noise cancelling headphone used by judges, which has been a clear success.

The main objective of the use of noise cancelling headphones is to maximize concentration by the judges.

There are certain factors which could be distractions or unconscious influence for officials such as:

┬À A very noisy crowd

┬À TV commentators

┬À Sitting next to the official

┬À Fans sitting next to the official

┬À Music or loud noises

After three months of using the devises in several cities in Mexico, the experience has been extremely positive and the judges have expressed complete satisfaction and ability to concentrate in the actions.

We have received a report from a ring official who is a airplane pilot and it is a fact that pilots use noise cancelling headphones, which allows them to concentrate and maximize their performance.

In summary the WBC strongly recommends all boxing commissions and federations to try the noise cancelling head phones for judges in 4, 6, 8 and 10-round fights and try by experience this proposed implementation.

The WBC would be happy to provide complimentary headphones for your commission to try and use.”

Mmmmm … OK.

Don’t want to be that negative nelly, but I’m thinking that while this couldn’t hurt, more training and oversight and accountability would do more to have us seeing fewer horrid decisions, which undermine credibility and are so hurtful to the wronged athletes.

What say you, readers?