J.R. Tidwell, Sports, Sports Columnists
 By  J.R. Tidwell Published 
5:57 am Saturday, June 30, 2012

J.R.’s Editorial Corner

I have watched a number of sports over the years. There always seems to be one uniting factor among parents; a seemingly universal dislike/distrust of game officials.

I wouldn’t be happy if someone always yelled at me or booed me when I make a mistake in one of my stories.

I always try to remember that game officials are just human beings doing their jobs, and they are not infallible, just like every other person on the planet.

Does that mean I always agree with calls I see at sporting events? Definitely not.

I cannot claim complete impartiality when it comes to a team in my coverage area playing one that’s not. I’m human, and it’s easier to write a story about “my” team winning than it is if they lose. It also makes for a better story, so why would I not root for teams in my area to win.

When both teams are in my area, though, I don’t care who wins or loses. I wouldn’t be doing my job correctly if I did.

I say all of that to show that I’m not completely unbiased to calls against teams I cover. Case in point, I covered the district championship game between the Russellville 12 and Under All-Stars and Muscle Shoals Thursday night. Did the calls seem to be a little one-sided against Russellville? Indeed they did.

Am I unbiased enough to make a completely rational decision as to whether the calls were one-sided? No.

 

 

J.R. Tidwell is sports editor for The Franklin County Times. He can be reached at (256) 332-1881, ext. 

Also on Franklin County Times
Bill would eliminate YO status in cases of murder
Franklin County, Main, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
MONTGOMERY — A local state representative has pre-filed a bill that would prevent someone 16 or older who is charged with murder or capital murder fro...
Strickland takes council seat after Trulove’s withdrawal
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RED BAY — Jonathan Strickland has been declared the next Place 3 memberof theRedBayCity Council after incumbent Herbert Trulove withdrew from the Sept...
School threats are no joking matter
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — The saddest thing about the Sept. 3 bomb threat at Phil Campbell High School is the lasting impact the hoax will have on the life of t...
Ambassadors program gives students taste of leadership
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE --the Ambassadors program at Tharptown Elementary is giving students an introduction to leadership. The program gives elected fifth and s...
Book Lovers Club to host violence awareness program
Columnists, Opinion, Russellville
HERE AND NOW
“We look forward to expanding our knowledge of the issues while engaging members and communities to unite in addressing this pervasive societal epidemic.”
September 10, 2025
The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club will host an awareness session about domestic and sexual violence at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Russellville First Methodis...
Opinion: SPACECOM headquarters should be in Huntsville
Columnists, Opinion
September 10, 2025
After years of political wrangling, President Trump is bringing Space Command (SPACECOM) headquarters back to its rightful home in Huntsville. This wa...
Space Command could boost region’s economy
News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
FLORENCE—Northwest Alabama officials said the Sept. 3 announcement that the U.S. Space Command will be moved to Huntsville could boost local economies...
RHS volleyball team pushes record to 17-5
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
The busy week for the Russellville volleyball team was highlighted by a home match against county rival Phil Campbell, the first area match of the sea...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *