Originally Posted by
Horse24
I wrote a post on refs before the subject comes up and changed my mind!!
Im not sure I would do it myself, but the fact remains they are being paid for what they do and no-one is forcing anyone. If I dont do the job I am paid for, my paymasters will have something to say about it. Its a bit of a annoyance of mine as long time posters may remember. The paymasters of referees, i.e. the teams, are never asked to rate the refs. Refs are judged by refs - makes sense to a point but surely the paymasters should have some say - some official communication channel? Turkeys dont vote for Xmas!
On the rugby comparison, its one I have made myself in my head lots of times and the conclusion I have come to is this. Rugby refs talk more to the players and explain decisions - right or wrong.
This season has already had a situation for me ( I know...very early). Whistle was blown for a foul at the edge of our box. Correctly, the ref didnt make a call because he was back a bit, so he took stock of where the players had been and went up to confirm the line and tackle mark on the ground. He blew for a penalty.
I happened to be nearby and did the same walk behind him. The tackle mark I saw was outside the box so I asked him.
Maybe I had the wrong mark, maybe the tackle was at the end of the stretched tackle - I dont know. Thats why I asked.
Not a word, nothing. Just looked and walked away. Was that respectful to me? I didnt think so. Theres the key difference, in my opinion between rugby refs and soccer refs.
We are expected to give money and automatic respect and all we ask is respect in return. The best refs understand that.
Sharpshooter - from your betting record, thats a kiss of death for Casement! Care to spill the beans on the rest of your accumulator?
Just so you get the spelling right its B-L-A-C-K-S-T-O-N-E!!
Its something I will ask people to pm to me because its not information you may want to share. Whats the membership costs for your team or any team you know? I dont even need the team name.....though I will know some of you! What do ye have to pay at the beginning of the season? Whats your weekly costs? Do ye have weekly tickets? etc. I would be grateful for anyone willing to share.
I wont make the AUL meeting tonight so if anyone is there, please share the goings on.