There are times when I appreciate the role television and technology play in sport.
I'm stoked, for instance, that I can both watch the women's Rugby World Cup live in the early hours of Saturday morning and record the Black Ferns' game against South Africa on MySky, to relive and analyse the game over and over again to my heart's content.
On the other hand, it hasn't been as enjoyable watching replays of the Turbos' thrashing by the Taniwha at the weekend. That is one game I'd like to erase from both MySky and MyMemory.
Bill Harrigan must feel the same way about his decision to award a controversial try to the St George-Illawarra Dragons, who went on to beat Manly 32-10 in the NRL.
He has since been suspended as a video referee indefinitely and, after seeing the video evidence, it does make your mind boggle trying to understand how he came to the conclusion that it was a try.
Mind you, who would want to be a referee? They are expected to be fit, great communicators, conflict negotiators, effective and confident decision-makers and to have 20/20 vision from a 360-degree perspective.
You must have the characteristics of a thick-skinned, super-confident lone wolf to cope with the loneliness and criticism from every Tom, Dick and Harriet that watches sport.
The introduction of technology and, in particular, the video referee in some sports was meant to make the job of the game official easier. After England's second goal against Germany at the World Cup was not awarded, Fifa has also had to reconsider its resistance to integrating replay footage in match decisions.
So, has this technology made the human match officials' job easier in other sports? It doesn't seem to have. Cricket umpires still get criticised, rugby referees are still accused of favouring the All Blacks, and Harrigan's controversial decision to award a try was the icing on the cake for a series of questionable decisions made using the video referee in the NRL.
It makes me think that perhaps sitting close to a screen for a long period of time does give you square eyes, like my Mum said.
It doesn't help that most officials are one-eyed already. Maybe Harrigan will have to have his vision tested and sharpen his visual accuracy by playing video games while in the dog box.
The third umpire was meant to eliminate human error but, in many cases, it just shows how prone to error we are as humans and how 50/50 calls are a part of sport.
I believe we should not eliminate uncertainty and error from sport. Yes, people's careers and profit margins depend on the outcome of the game, but build a bridge and get over it Springboks, England and Manly. You still lost to a better team on the day.
No matter what technology we introduce, disagreeing with the referee (whether standing on the field or sitting in front of a screen) is part and parcel of the cathartic experience we all crave.
Enjoy the hiatus, Harrigan. Everyone will be baying for your blood when you return, no matter what you do.
