The bank eventually hired an outside referee to test both systems.

"Some fearless outside referee had to barge in and try to adjudicate the culture wars," Frank Rich wrote here, "so let us rejoice that it's Zadie Smith."

What's more, the unusual hiring arrangement has created conflicts for some of the outside referees, who are also looking to fill openings in their own departments.

Steve Austin defeated The Big Show (with Ric Flair as special outside referee) (16:00)

Judge Fischer agreed, ordering that an outside referee be appointed to review the government's evidence and decide whether it should be turned over to the defense.

'The ship has been verified and authenticated by the necessary outside referees,' the drone told him, 'so it's all above-board, you see?'

This was also to be a Casket match, but Chuck Norris was brought in as a special outside referee to prevent interference.

The main event was next, featuring The Undertaker versus Yokozuna in a casket match with Chuck Norris as the special outside referee.

For the moment, there is no outside referee judging such claims - no Consumer Reports or Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for forecasts.

But an outside referee is forced to allow Mike the same dispensation granted all other gods.