Refereeing, by anyones standards, has been poor this year so far. All teams have copped bad decisions that have impacted results. I have come up with some ideas that may help improve this aspect of the game.
On Field Referees
- I believe referees are too scared to make a decision any more and continually refer to the video referees. There needs to be a mindset change so referees make instant decisions and stick with them. True there will be some wrong decisions made but generally they do a good job. Only if the ref is unsure or unsighted will he refer to video refs.
What should be introduced is a referral system as used in NYC and applied to NRL. A ref makes a decision, if the team is dissatisfied, it is then referred to video refs. Teams get one referral each half, if get it right they still have that referral.
Video Referees
- There needs to be a time clock, as in SL, for the refs to make a decision. What is a major concern is the length of time video referees take to make a decision AND STILL GET IT WRONG! Usually one look you are able to make a decision, instead they look at every angle multiple times. If it looks right first time ffs make a decision.
Review
- It must be constructive not destructive and not by a coach just after a game in the heat of the moment. Maybe each Wednesday the refs and a representative from each club brings to them their concerns and it gets discussed to iron out problems.
- Where refs have a poor game they get dropped and another gets promoted.
Referees have a hard job to do but without them you have no game. They must be rewarded commensurate with their responsibility, which may be happening now. We need systems in place where their performance is reviewed weekly where the aim is to improve them rather than criticize them.
Please post with further ideas, or ways to improve blogs, not criticize, so blogs keep coming, the lifeblood of this site.
Replies
GIVE THE GAME BACK TO THE PLAYERS / FANS!
It's not about the refs!!!
I'm so sick of referees deciding who will win a game and not the players.
Sorry Glenn, just my rant.
Now, back to the topic...
I agree.
Refs don't have the confidence to make their own decisions for fear of reprisals. This breeds complacency, whilst putting added pressure on the video refs.
As for video refs, they spend too much time trying to find the SINGLE frame of proof to justify their decisions and they can still get it wrong. The obstruction rule should be ruled on case by case.
I am not a fan of the challenge system or bunker either. League prides itself on it's continuity. I'm sure teams will take advantage of the rule to stop momentum or give their sides a breather, similar to time outs in the NBA and the NFL.
Technology should be embraced, not relied upon to make decisions.
Also, refs should learn to grow a pair.