I wrestled from age 6-23 (D1) and it appears to have gotten significantly worse, scholastically...mic or no mic.
Our college coaches frequently mentioned to never leave the match in the ref's hands. While not always applicable, it was the goal.
Complete opposite thought process. The best refs talk less. Seems like I was able to watch wrestling for over 40 yrs without a ref being part of the show, but now they all are. Ref the match and don't dictate anything. Can't just keep blabbing away in a match. Call scores, illegal holds, stalling, etc..It was the worst back in the day when freestyle refs had to say "zone" when near the edge of the mat. Like, the wrestlers were not aware they were in the "zone"...
He has been the worst so far this year. But how is it possible that refs seem to keep getting worse and not better? Refs are not supposed to dictate matches period...
When I saw him in State College for the 2000 national duals I couldnt believe the size and shred on Lesnar.. It was insane and he scared me...my teammates where taking pics of him with disposables like he was Lou Ferrigno. FREAK