By David Hegg

Even if you are not a sports fan, there is much to learn from the ethics on display during competition. In fact, it is during the most stressful times, when winning and losing are on the line, that the individual’s or team’s actual ethical values come to the surface. Crisis brings out character, and too often it’s not pretty.

Years ago, before the professional football season began, a decision by the regular referees to strike meant the first several games were presided over by replacement referees whose experience and ability left much to be desired. Crucial mistakes were made, leading to victories that will forever be recognized as unearned. Even today, the recap of a game is often not about brilliant plays and clever coaching, but about referees failing to see and call penalties.

Does anyone else see a red flag here? I know this will sound really ignorant, but I want to ask the simple question: Why do we need referees in the first place? Can’t professionals be expected to stay within the rules, and when they don’t, fess up? I can see it now: A player runs the length of the field for an apparent touchdown, but then an offensive lineman sprints up to the opposing captain to confess he broke the rules,........

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