Quality of Umpires

cruiserweight

After seeing the highlights of the Armagh v Monaghan game and the Limerick v Tipperary game, I felt compelled to post something about the dire standards of umpires! Expecially since it cost me my bet on the Armagh game:( Also it was at a crucial stage of the Limerick game when the umpire made the mistake, and although it did not affect the final result the 2 point swing at that time could have led to a different outcome! In the case of both games the umpires were well placed and should have made the correct decision!

AFAIK the umpires are not appointed officials like the linesmen, 4th official or referee (I could be wrong about this)! I really feel that proper officials with proper training should be appointed to these positions!

gerire

Given their decision has such an impact I fully agree with you on this. The days of 'jobs for the old school' has to be gone. It should be as serious as all the match officials,

klong

Thats true, theyre not officially appointed- usually friends of the referee

mchurl

The umpires are normally four members of the referee's club. The GAA really need to take a good hardlook at this, the decisions of the umpires really have a big bearing on the outcome of the games. I agree that the umpires should be trained in just like the referee's and linesmen are trained in. The umpires also have a great view of the action hapoening in or around the goal butthey dont seem to take much action if anything does occur, this is also something that needs to be looked at.

ardmacha

In the Armagh-Meath league game, the umpire didn't allow a clear goal, where the goalie scooped the ball out from behind the line. As Meath won well that day, it wasn't too important on the day, but might have been critical to the relegation at the end.

The Rooster

The simple answer is that umpires are generally too old.

All umpire positions should be given to young referress up and down the country, who perhaps one day would like to ref big games themselves.

gerire

The Rooster wrote:

The simple answer is that umpires are generally too old.

All umpire positions should be given to young referress up and down the country, who perhaps one day would like to ref big games themselves.

I fully agree with this, ex/current players who are just finishing their playing days, still have an eye for the ball and where the potential play could be. And trainee intercounty refs to get them used to the extra pace between club and county level

Although the GAA will moan about having to PAY them, Imagine!!!!