See, my question would be: Why would any referee, evaluator, assigner defend a colleague who is clearly unfit?
As stated above, the typical soccer match includes 3 officials for 22 players (on a large field), coaching staffs and bench areas. An unfit (or lazy) official places undue responsibility on his/her colleagues, and (arguably) puts players at risk.
Why defend THAT? Why certify THAT?
To me, the fact that some officials/assigners can't or won't answer or address those simple questions should disqualify THEM from the task.
Fitness is a BASELINE qualification.
