Flagrant Misconduct.

I was at a Varsity quad tonight. I was not originally scheduled for the event, but there was a double booking, so I got to fill in. I am always a little edgy when we get close to state tournaments, and in case you did not know it, the area dual tournaments are this weekend. I knew that if a kid got ejected from this match that he would not be able to wrestle this weekend at the area qualifiers. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but I new if the situation came about, I would have to make the call. I made a strong case for good behavior in my prematch meetings with the teams. I pointed out that a Flagrant Misconduct call would not only get them kicked out of this competition, but also the next two. I explained that it would keep them from wrestling at Area Duals, and possibly a trip to the State Dual Tournament in Macon. I also went over some of the actions that would get them a Flagrant Misconduct call from me. No punching, kicking, knees, elbows, or biting.
Fortunately I did not get any Flagrant Misconduct calls. I did have two unsportsmanlike calls. One was for a forceful forearm to the back of the head from the offensive position, and the other was for a thrown headgear. I think there may have been a push off/shove at the end of one of the matches as well, but my view was blocked by the other wrestler.
Now the other strange part of the matches. One of the teams at the dual was the team I used to coach. I am two years removed from that team, and this is the first dual I have ever called with them. I also spend a lot of my spare time working with National Team development for Team Georgia, and GNWA, so to be honest, there is rarely a dual I call where I do not have some ties with some of the wrestlers. I do not have a problem separating myself from the wrestlers and calling a professional match, but it did feel a little like practice at times.
Trends I saw at these matches, and have seen from several teams include, lots of chokes, or near chokes, Plenty of neck whips(I have at least one every time I officiate), Illegal headlocks, and out of shape wrestlers. This is a rough time of year to be out of shape. A trip to state is at stake, or at least seeding criteria for Traditional Area Tournaments.
I am looking forward to seeing my friend Dennis Horne in the morning. I am really looking forward to his critique of my work. For anyone that knows Coach Horne, or has ever wrestled for him they already know what he is going to say. "YOU SUCK".