Wisconsin judge tosses wrestler’s suspension, worrying refs

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin judge’s ruling overturning a high school wrestler’s suspension is causing worry among referees who fear their officiating could be undermined by courts.

At issue is a Feb. 2 wrestling contest in which the victor was suspended for one match for arguing and with a referee and showing off after he won. The suspension of Waterford High School sophomore Hayden Halter would have caused him to miss a key match to make it to the state tournament finals.

Halter’s parents took their case to court in Racine County because the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association doesn’t allow appeals of officiating calls. A judge ruled Friday that Halter shouldn’t have been suspended.

National Association of Sports Officials President Barry Mano says WIAA doesn’t allow wrestlers to appeal because that would create too many complications.