One of the latest and most interesting questions facing the ITA is the use of running linespeople in a dual match. FYI, "running linespeople" means linespeople at each end of the court who move to cover the center service line as well as the sidelines.
Here are the different views:
1. No linespeople at all. Sure can't understand this one since we have the officials to cover the lines in a dual match and they provide great help.
2. Only one linesperson per match. Not sure where the logic is on this one since the more eyes you have, the better job you will do.
3. Running linespeople used whenever possible. This is by far the best way to cover the center service line--and college men serve way harder than the human eye can see so why not use their help.
Some conferences forbid their use, some use only one, and some use two. What is your opinion?
There are also those who think the chair can and should overrule the linesperson if they disagree with their call and then there are those who believe that once the chair goes to the linesperson for their call, they give up the right to overrule the linesperson. But then, that is a discussion for another day...
2 comments:
I'm definitely in favor of running linespeople. In fact, I love it when every line is covered.
Much prefer having as many eyes out there as possible; running lines are absolutely welcome. Did it for a D1 dual and everyone involved seemed pleased; including the players. That said... it begs the question... for those who hold line credentials... credentials command increased compensation in this world... should refereeing also receive that consideration or are we too concerned about electronic line monitors replacing us?
Remember, every crowd loves a villain... and more often than not officials are the villains. Do people come to sporting events for the quality of play alone? Or do they come looking for drama as well... hard for a fan to argue with, disagree with, or ridicule a computer. Think about how involved people used to be in a McEnroe match, or Jimmy Connors... then came the eye in the sky and the fans are less involved... unless they are at Davis Cup... and perhaps that is what drew Davis Cup fans initially.
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