CFL SIDE JUDGE DISMISSED AFTER 'TERRIBLE CALL'

[radiocanada499]

C&P

The CFL dismissed side judge Rick Berezowski on Monday, parting ways with the ref who made the pass interference call on Montreal Alouettes rookie cornerback Greg Laybourn late in Friday's game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Laybourn was defending in the end zone against Blue Bombers receiver Greg Carr when replays showed Carr putting his arms around Laybourn. The play drew an interference call, which easily could have been called on the offence.

CFL director of officiating Tom Higgins wrote on the CFL's website on Monday that the call was "absolutely terrible".

"The Winnipeg receiver grabbed the Montreal defender and fell to the ground in an obvious attempt to draw a [pass interference] call, and succeeded. This is not acceptable and I am dealing with the situation," wrote Higgins.

Berezowski, a native of Rosetown, Saskatchewan, worked partial seasons in the CFL for many years before he was added to the full time ranks in 2009. He worked the 2004 Vanier Cup and also officiated the Mitchell Bowl and several Canada West conference title games.

Source
www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=377334

[zcr57]

Not sure if I've ever seen anything like this. I'm anxious to hear JR's take on it...

[JugglingReferee]

I did not see this game. Sorry!

[FredFan7]

Wow, that's a pretty hardcore statement. I would not be so blunt. You could say something like, "Official X has been dropped from our staff due to performance issues, specifically related to the game on (date)."

[FredFan7]

Here are video highlights of the game. I believe the call in question is at the 5:25 mark.

I'm sorry that this happened to the official in question.

bit.ly/ptg9FY

[Deleted]

Oct 4, 2011 9:40:01 GMT -5 FredFan7 said:

Wow, that's a pretty hardcore statement. I would not be so blunt. You could say something like, "Official X has been dropped from our staff due to performance issues, specifically related to the game on (date)."

I would have. If the official screwed up, then he should be held accountable for it.

[russ]

Wow, that was a horrendous Pass Interference Call. That being said,I agree with publically reprimading this Official but for him to lose his job over that call seems pretty harsh.

[teo]

A secondary source said that Berezowski was "on the bubble" for his overall performance, but emphasized that he refused to pick up the flag and change his call when advised to do by three other members of the crew.

It's interesting that the CFL began the season with six crews and a total of 42 officials, but that was pared down to five crews and 35 officials after Labour Day.

www.sportsnet.ca/football/cfl/2011/10/03/side_judge_replaced/

[JugglingReferee]

IIRC, the paring down happens for the Labour Day games, not after.