Do you know how to spell "discernible"?

[Deb in IA]

Apparently, the spelling bee judge did not.

Parents Protest Child's Spelling Bee Loss
Nevada Parents Protest Child's Spelling Bee Loss, Saying She Spelled 'Discernible' Correctly

RENO, Nev. Feb 8, 2006 (AP)— She spelled it right. The judge said it was wrong. And she's not getting a second chance. Eighth-grader Sara Beckman from Reno's O'Brien Middle School spelled "discernible" correctly during Tuesday's spelling bee at the University of Nevada, Reno. But the judge rang the bell anyway.

Her parents are furious, but organizers say they had to protest the call immediately. Sara's mom said they waited until the bee was over to avoid interrupting it.

School spokesman Steve Mulvenon likens it to a referee's call in an NFL game. The protest has to come before the next play starts.

Sara says she'd just like another chance, since it's her last spelling bee.

Her mother Cindy calls herself a "momma bear with her bear claws out" and is ready to go to court.

Mulvenon hopes everybody can sit down together and work something out.

He says defending a lawsuit over a spelling bee isn't a good way to spend school district money.

 

[momof2inPA]

Who was the judge, Dan Quayle?

 

[Disney1fan2002]

How do you spell potatoes?

I agree with the officials. She should of stood her ground at the spelling bee, or SOMEONE should of challenged the judges on her behalf...a teacher maybe?

 

[Chipperdini]

Stirs up some memories.

 

[KAMLEM]

Does that mean that someone should sue every time they don't agree with a referee's call? Give me a break.

 

[Beth76]

Are there rules about this? What was she supposed to do, stand up in the middle and yell foul? I wouldn't do that, unless there's a rule that specifically states that. Either way, there's absolutely no need for legal action here.