Supports for referees.

LeoB

I have just returned from a Senior league match in Dublin and was stunned at what went on. (My team lost)

Do you think Referees, for Senior league games should have Linesmen or umpires with them?

It is not possible for them to see everything that goes on but it is what they miss that can cause a lot of trouble. I saw a 2 corner forwards getting the jerseys just about ripped off them, young lads and they got no protection. We can say inexperience on their part but there is a lot this going on and it puts young lads off. Its not as if Dublin are tripping over talented scoring forwards.

Mind you if the ref didnt turn up tonight a lot of lads would not have had a match. He done his best I am sure.

blackbelt

This issue was brought up the Coiste Na Réiteoiri AGM back in November here in Dublin.It seems to be a problem alright but sadly there is not enough officials for this.If they are to introduce this,it should be across the board.

I refereed a local derby at night in one of Dublins more dodgier spots.I brought a friend along and he rightly declined to umpire because the atmosphere was too hostile.There had been a sinister atmosphere before the game.Things were just too quiet.

Anyway,you umpires from two teams signalling for points when the ball went wide.This makes a referees job much harder.

You need protection for both players and refs at times but not necessarily all the time as 9 times out of 10 the game will have no problems at all.

LeoB

I take your point Blackbelt but we all know where the problems may occur or if there is a bit of history. I know most games go off without incident but if neutral grounds were used it would help. I have refereed and know what is is like. I always had 2 umpires for Senior games but then games clash and lads want to go and see there own club.

One other option is to fine clubs when referee gets abused. We sent out circular to our members and asked them to stay at home if they were going to critise the referee.

We only let 2 people from our club umpire at senior league games and both are well known in Dublin G.A.A circles and referees are able to trust them. There is to much at stake for players just sending up any one who wants to do it. Some of the stuff I see ref's having to put up with is awful. It has put me off getting back to ref games.

blackbelt

LeoB wrote: »

I take your point Blackbelt but we all know where the problems may occur or if there is a bit of history. I know most games go off without incident but if neutral grounds were used it would help. I have refereed and know what is is like. I always had 2 umpires for Senior games but then games clash and lads want to go and see there own club.

One other option is to fine clubs when referee gets abused. We sent out circular to our members and asked them to stay at home if they were going to critise the referee.

We only let 2 people from our club umpire at senior league games and both are well known in Dublin G.A.A circles and referees are able to trust them. There is to much at stake for players just sending up any one who wants to do it. Some of the stuff I see ref's having to put up with is awful. It has put me off getting back to ref games.

I hear you.

I have had some games where I thought afterwards..."what have I got myself into" but then I learned there were precautionary measures I could take to nearly eliminate any threat. One of the key things I do before games is get to the venue early,tog out,inspect the pitch,warmup,greet the mentors and teams and have a word with each of them before the game.Therefore before the game has even started,you have your influence on the game already and players more often than not listen to their manager and are not stupid.

The thing with the umpires or sideline officials is an issue a lot of referees bring up at the AGM.It is clearly an issue they want resolved to prevent any serious incidents.