Standard of refereeing

**pineapple stu** · 15/05/2006, 2:40 PM

Saying that refs aren't as bad as they're made out to be isn't the same as sticking up for them. I acknowledge that there are bad refs, and that some refs have bad games sometimes. My point, though, is that a lot of people's perceptions about the standards of refereeing stems from their own ignorance about the job, and even the rules of the game.

**NY Hoop** · 16/05/2006, 9:48 AM

Bringing in refs from abroad will never improve the standard here long term. Assessments are a waste of time when you have super egos like Alan Kelly around who is assessed by, wait for it, his da

I've said it for years the only way to have refs who would be consistently fair is try to recruit ex players. Another thing would be for the refs, managers, players and supporters to have regular sit downs and try to understand each other. Also the rule book should be widely available.

What I have noticed in the first division is that the refs have less egos and do let the game flow. Although in dundalk our players would have had to have lost a leg before he blew due to the kickers the home side had!

KOH

**Dodge** · 16/05/2006, 10:18 AM

I've a referee's qualification. Did it as a means to make a bit of weekend cash reffing schoolboy games.

With that in mind, refs in this country are awful.

**CuanaD** · 16/05/2006, 3:23 PM

Originally Posted by Conor H

Are you a referee?

I was a ref - 4 seasons up to 1997/98 in the Leinster Football League. I'll probably go back to it too, when my kids are older.

I'm sticking up for refs because of the amount of times i see people slagging them off, without knowing the rules. Most of the time the ref's interpretation is right, but not palletable for the fans.
If anyone cares I can look for a few examples of this from the next eL matches on TV.

I'm not saying the refs interpretation is always correct, & i'm certainly not saying that i know all the rules (last rule book i had was in 1999) - what i am saying is that MOST of the time, when the fans slag the ref off, THEY are wrong, not him.