THE THIRD MAN IN THE RING  

In the fight game, the referee's job is never taken lightly. Whether in mix martial arts, boxing , or kick boxing competitions, the referee is given the enormous responsibility of the safety of the fighters. However, the referee's job begins not only when the fighters enter the ring but long before the ring announcer even starts the event.

The referee must study each of the fighters much like the fighters study their opponents. He/she must be aware of the techniques that are being applied in the fight game in order to see them coming and in the process, saving the opponent from injury. The referee must be a student of the game. He/she must become familiar with the fighters strong and weak points as well as the moves that cause the most serious of injuries.

Besides often being the judge and jury in the ring, the referee must also become the janitor. He/she must maintain the fighting area safe for the fighters. The referee must make sure the fighting area is free from wet spots or materials that may interfere with the bout. He/she must also make sure the ropes are tight or that the cage is sturdy and covered with padding because in the fight game, the smallest detail can change the outcome of a match.

One must also take in consideration that the referee's job is hindered when he/she must adjust to the changing rules of each event.

Larry "the Landlord" Landless is a great example of the ability to carry out his responsibilities by adjusting to the rules of the different sanctioning bodies. Larry is the current referee for the KING OF THE CAGE events but over his career has refereed many other events, such as the UFC and GLADIATOR CHALLENGE. Larry Landless is one of the most sought after referees in Southern California, as his ability of being one of the best referees in the fight game is no doubt bolstered by his background in wrestling and the Martial arts.

He explained some of his referee responsibilities on an interview about a year ago on TheFightGame.tv show when he was interviewed by my co-host, Al Nava.

When asked about a particular title fight and how he knew it was time to stop the bout, Larry answered "Well sometimes the fans can't see and hear the impact of a hit from my view point. They can only hear the loud slaps that only cause swelling and at worse, a contusion (bruise). My main concern is that the fighters go home to their wife's and kids, the same way they left and that is on their own two feet. But if I feel at any time this is in jeopardy, I will stop the fight."

In short, the referee must be well trained and experienced in the arts in order to be the ring master. This will only improve the focus of the fighters as they know that the third man in the ring will make sure a fair fight occurs as well as making sure they go home safely to their families.

Peace Out,

XN

(7/9/02)