by Keith » Sun Sep 15, 2024 9:57 am
The problem is, there simply aren't enough of them. Remove people like Eltringham, but replace them with who? Promote someone from lower down, who has even less experience or competency?
Also, I do think we need to accept that refs will make mistakes. For example, I thought that Simpson had a generally good game at Crewe. Unfortunately for us, his one big mistake was pivotal in the outcome of the game, and, as usual, went against us. Eltringham yesterday was poor throughout, and inconsistent, allowing Colchester to foul with impunity, especially Angol, who was repeatedly pulled back, yet Angol's first [soft] foul, he gets booked. It was obvious that Eltringham was going to send someone off (albeit, Hendrie definitely deserved the second yellow).
I think we need to reform recruitment of refs. How many young lads (and, increasingly, young women) have gone through academies, but fail to make the grade as footballers? They have been around football for years, and understand it. They are also, obviously, physically fit. Why aren't they offered a 'referees academy'? Top refs can earn a decent wage, so there is a career path. Even if 20% of these 'failed players' were taken on each year, there would be a steady stream of refs coming through. Send 'elite refs programme' out to do National League North/South as soon as possible and then on to 'Bristol Street Motors' games. The FA pay them a reasonable wage for two or three years 'development'.
The only way to get rid of incompetent refs, is by increasing the number of decent ones.
Also, as an aside, I think VAR should be used 'quickly'. The ref should be allowed to view a decision from a different angle, perhaps twice, at full speed. If it is a "clear error", they will see it immediately. If they remain unsure, then they stick to the original decision. That way, the game's flow continues with minimal interruption and obvious errors are dealt with. Let Match of the Day do the frame by frame, slow-mo analysis. We will still get mistakes (or, differences of opinion) but they will be fewer and not protracted. Crewe penalty wouldn't have been given.
“Britain faces a simple and inescapable choice - stability and strong Government with me, or chaos with Ed Miliband: ".
David Cameron. May 4th 2015.
So how did that work out then?