Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Refereeing Problems in Britain

Recently the question over refereeing problems has been brought up. Is the standard dropping and how can we improve it?

OVERVIEW

This is not a rant at referee’s and crucially we are all thankful for the work they do at all levels of the game – without them there would be no games at all. However if we focus on the top level of the game (Pro12 and the Aviva Premiership) it does appear that the refereeing standard varies in quality. It must be said we all get a bit ”one eyed” when it comes to referees in games that involve our own team, but often we see poor decisions even in neutral games that may not affect the position of our side.

Not all referees can be right all of the time and people who are true fans will understand this and give mercy to the odd mistake or two throughout a fast paced game, especially in the Principality Premiership where there are no replays.

CAN THEY BE EXCUSED FOR MISTAKES?

Again, yes the odd few maybe. However referees at the top level do have TMO video officials to go to in order to aid their decisions and so very often mistakes should be avoided. There is also the matter of them being professional referees and so surely they should be up to a very high standard.

CASES TO FOLLOW

Referees who we must admire for their very skilled work over the pitch have to be recognised as well. Nigel Owens, the most experienced and arguably the best referee in the world at this time, plays the game so well with very few mistakes or hold ups in the game. He deals with poor mannered stars easily and deals with the game very well, whilst adhering to World Rugby laws very well. Another referee we should perhaps look towards is Wayne Barnes around the breakdown zone, as he is very vocal and lets the players know where and what they should be doing. Very often correctly so as well. Little things like these have to help players to infringe less on the pitch, therefore making the job easier for ref’s and increasing standards.

We also need faster flowing games and this can be hugely helped by the referee. Referees such as George Clancy have given out very few cards this year and this is an example to follow. Looking at the Pro12 referees, Clancy is at the bottom for cards per game level with 0.1 cards a game- one yellow card was given out in seven games. At the other end of the scale referees such as Lloyd Linton and Ben Whitehouse have given out five yellows in three games, and 24 yellows in 15 games respectively. Yes many of these scenarios would have warranted a card undoubtedly, but do we need this many ?

HOW DO WE AID REFEREEING PROBLEMS?

TMO : – The TMO is a main contributor to slowing a match down. The way surely to speed this up would be to utilise it like during the 2015 World Cup and have the TMO talking to the referee as the game continues about a situation. If a penalty is needed a quick whisper to the ref whilst he plays on can yield an advantage whilst allowing the game to continue flowing. If a card is warranted it can be given after play has halted once again or play has been called back. On the subject of TMO I think we should have two officials; the current one we have,  but also an ex prop forward. This would give a much better insight into the scrum farce and decrease yellow cards, of which are often created by front row mishaps.

CLARITY OF RULES : – Some rules do need clarifying, e.g. the advantage rule. How long is a referee supposed to play on for is all down to their discrepancy and so we get inconsistencies which annoys fans more than most things. The laws on advantages are very long and complex, but nowhere does it mention time length or how many phases between points 8.1-8.5. Quoted from World Rugby’s law section under point 8.1 (A) ” The referee is sole judge of whether or not a team has gained an advantage. The referee has wide discretion when making decisions.”  Clarity will mean less cards and a better flowing game. A better flowing game usually means less penalties given away, which in turn means less decisions to make for the referee. Less decisions to make would mean less wrong ones made.

PLAY ON : – If the ball is ready to be played it should be allowed to be played not just blown up by the ref. This would definitely speed the game, up decrease scrum problems and therefore the refereeing problems created within this issue. However again this is up to the ref’s discretion as mentioned in the above point.

SUPPORT THE REFEREES :-  We must always support the referees and aid them as we can, giving them full support as we go along. Fans can always give a bit of stick and banter, but this must not turn into abuse. There IS a fine line.

LINESMEN : – At all levels the linesmen must help. Fans in Wales especially are fed up of this. Linesmen are paid for a reason and they too must earn their wage. Whispering if something illegal has gone in the referees ear if advantages are played will speed games, up and ultimately help the refereeing problems.

The referees and linesmen do a pretty good job, with a few exceptions over a lot of leagues. They do need help and we can provide this with help off a few simple changes.

Full details on what referees, have given what card and in what games can be found in the link below.

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