Cork County Board secretary Frank Murphy points out that referees are not supposed to place their own interpretation on the rules.

In his annual report to this weekend's Cork County Convention, Murphy expresses his dissatisfaction with the general state of refereeing in gaelic games and makes particular reference to match officials' inclination to put their own twist on things:

"I must confess to not being entirely happy with the position of refereeing in the inter-county sphere," he writes.

"At the top level in hurling, there are far too few referees, albeit in the main of good standard. The reduction of numbers of referees at this level was neither necessary nor advisable.

"Some of the refereeing in inter-county senior football during the past season has been far from satisfactory and some refereeing performances have had an undue influence on the outcome of games.

"Concern has been expressed too at some experienced officials making decisions that were inconsistent with the playing rules.

"If referees are to be instructed, it should be by personnel who are qualified and experienced in this specialist field. No one is entitled to place interpretation on rule other than Central Council. Any deviation should be strictly prohibited."

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