KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 07/01/2017 20:48:27    1943854

Torcaill (Australia) - Posts: 204 - 08/01/2017 12:52:34    1943923

Torcaill (Australia) - Posts: 204 - 08/01/2017 12:53:16    1943924

A good ref will explain his call, a bad one won't. I got booked in games because I asked the ref what was that free for, his reply 'I'm the ref not you and you do what I say' lets just say he didn't make that statement again. The smartest way of asking a question without the threat of booking is when a ref gives a dodgy free let the opposition take the free and then when you get the chance ask the ref what was the free for, he can hardly book you or move the free forward when the free has already been taken
riverboys (Mayo) - Posts:813 - 07/01/2017 17:13:40Not necessarily the truth wrt your first sentence. If a ref doesn't let you ask questions then that's poor on them but in many cases that will be due to the actions of players and coaches all through a refs career.

I cannot for the life of me see referees or any GAA officials agreeing to or asking a referee to come in and explain why he made this decision and why he made that decision. My original point though was that it's the spectators insulting referees and indeed the victors by suggesting it was the referees fault they lost the match. That's a poor reflection on themselves I think.
catch22 (USA) - Posts:120 - 07/01/2017 17:29:03

So players that train 8/9 months of the year breaking up their bodies for no monitory gain should just accept a refs bad decisions and shut their gobs coz they'll be branded bad losers? No that don't cut it for me, refs should be made accountable for their bad decisions and "mistakes" end of story.
And punished accordingly.
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts:4553 - 07/01/2017 18:02:23So referees train 12 months of the year breaking their bodies for no monetary gain and should just accept it when players mis passes and give abuse etc.
Refs are accountable for the decisions they make and what exactly is "punishments they should get"????

respect isn't given, its earned and no amount of 'telling people' to give respect will get you any closer to it.
SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts:1119 - 07/01/2017 19:19:51If you don't give the referees basic respect then how else do you expect a referee to help you in a game

So Ormond - do you believe Rugby Union, where the referees are miked up thus allowing the explanation of their decisions known to the spectators, is doing it wrong??
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts:2205 - 07/01/2017 19:20:35What I said is wrong is referees being interviewed,

Ormondbannerman Players are dragged over the coals about decisions they make on the field by pundits and by their coaches and team mates.
And it's different for refs they don't train as hard as players, some of them are power trippers who couldn't make it as footballers them selfs who have predjudice when it comes to some teams but we all have them I suppose.
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts:4553 - 07/01/2017 20:48:27You clearly haven't a clue about refereeing and are one of those fools on the sideline at games who would rant and rave at every decision a referee makes if its against your team. Referees are coached and assessed. What more do you want?

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 08/01/2017 15:12:35    1943946

A good ref will explain his call, a bad one won't. I got booked in games because I asked the ref what was that free for, his reply 'I'm the ref not you and you do what I say' lets just say he didn't make that statement again. The smartest way of asking a question without the threat of booking is when a ref gives a dodgy free let the opposition take the free and then when you get the chance ask the ref what was the free for, he can hardly book you or move the free forward when the free has already been taken
riverboys (Mayo) - Posts:813 - 07/01/2017 17:13:40Not necessarily the truth wrt your first sentence. If a ref doesn't let you ask questions then that's poor on them but in many cases that will be due to the actions of players and coaches all through a refs career.

I cannot for the life of me see referees or any GAA officials agreeing to or asking a referee to come in and explain why he made this decision and why he made that decision. My original point though was that it's the spectators insulting referees and indeed the victors by suggesting it was the referees fault they lost the match. That's a poor reflection on themselves I think.
catch22 (USA) - Posts:120 - 07/01/2017 17:29:03

So players that train 8/9 months of the year breaking up their bodies for no monitory gain should just accept a refs bad decisions and shut their gobs coz they'll be branded bad losers? No that don't cut it for me, refs should be made accountable for their bad decisions and "mistakes" end of story.
And punished accordingly.
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts:4553 - 07/01/2017 18:02:23So referees train 12 months of the year breaking their bodies for no monetary gain and should just accept it when players mis passes and give abuse etc.
Refs are accountable for the decisions they make and what exactly is "punishments they should get"????

respect isn't given, its earned and no amount of 'telling people' to give respect will get you any closer to it.
SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts:1119 - 07/01/2017 19:19:51If you don't give the referees basic respect then how else do you expect a referee to help you in a game

So Ormond - do you believe Rugby Union, where the referees are miked up thus allowing the explanation of their decisions known to the spectators, is doing it wrong??
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts:2205 - 07/01/2017 19:20:35What I said is wrong is referees being interviewed,

Ormondbannerman Players are dragged over the coals about decisions they make on the field by pundits and by their coaches and team mates.
And it's different for refs they don't train as hard as players, some of them are power trippers who couldn't make it as footballers them selfs who have predjudice when it comes to some teams but we all have them I suppose.
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts:4553 - 07/01/2017 20:48:27You clearly haven't a clue about refereeing and are one of those fools on the sideline at games who would rant and rave at every decision a referee makes if its against your team. Referees are coached and assessed. What more do you want?

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 08/01/2017 15:12:44    1943947

neverright (Roscommon) - Posts: 1648 - 08/01/2017 15:56:43    1943967

Id say that fella could throw a programme with the best of them. ;-)

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 08/01/2017 17:01:17    1944012

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 08/01/2017 17:42:32    1944033

respect is a two way street Ormo. What I've gathered from your responses is that disrespect only comes from players/managers and referees are free to do as they please without being questioned by anybody, because if you do question a ref its being bloody disrespectful isn't it. That's a vicious cycle that helps nobody out there.

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2385 - 08/01/2017 18:47:59    1944056

kingdomboy, have you ever tried to ref a match?

Torcaill (Australia) - Posts: 204 - 08/01/2017 18:53:59    1944060

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 08/01/2017 20:51:02    1944109

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 08/01/2017 20:56:19    1944111

We can all agree that there are refs, like players, of varying ability. However, it is also obvious that there are a large number of players, mentors and supporters who think they know the rules because of their involvement in the game for numerous years, when, in fact, their vocal comments against refereeing decisions often display their lack of knowledge of the actual playing rules. I witnessed an inter county manager (and former player on the team of the millennium) loudly protest against a basic decision that went against his team. He asked his opposing number about the call, only to be told that the ref was correct. If someone with that level of involvement was unaware of that basic playing rule, then the lads at club level could possibly be in the same position.

As I said, like in every walk of life, there will be a mixed bag or refs out there. I would be surprised if any at a high level went out with an agenda, or to try and make a game of it by awarding what might appear to be soft frees. Similarly, i would be surprised if a ref wouldn't answer a civil question in relation to a decision (apart from those players being sarcastic, bitching and moaning about every decision the ref made, or those with a bad attitude or aggressive nature).

A bit of education of the rules by players, management and supporters might create a better understanding of what the ref is doing on the pitch. Granted they wont get every decision right, their view could show something completely different to yours, but as long as they are making an honest attempt to ref the match, then let them at it. (Yes, we all know the other refs who will ref from the half way line, bear a grudge against a team or player based on a previous encounter, etc., but these tend to be in the minority!!!)

Torcaill (Australia) - Posts: 204 - 08/01/2017 21:34:58    1944126

Well ormond the oricle what happens when they're assessed and are found to made some massive mistake? A rap on the knuckles and told to be careful in the future no doubt.
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts:4556 - 08/01/2017 17:42:32What is an oricle?
When refs are assessed and they've made mistakes they are given training points and it will depend on mistake, other factors in the game they reffed and then the referee selection committee will decide to either put them into a game at that level again or move them up or down grades depending on the need....


respect is a two way street Ormo. What I've gathered from your responses is that disrespect only comes from players/managers and referees are free to do as they please without being questioned by anybody, because if you do question a ref its being bloody disrespectful isn't it. That's a vicious cycle that helps nobody out there.
SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts:1120 - 08/01/2017 18:47:59If respect is a two way street why do you not call me Ormond.
I have never said that disrespect only comes from players/coaches and that referees are free to do as they pleased. Referees should be questioned but by the right people and only in the right context.

[bkingdomboy, have you ever tried to ref a match?
Torcaill (Australia) - Posts:132 - 08/01/2017 18:53:59Its quite clear he hasn't and neither have several other posters here.

Saffron don
I agree with you 100 % what gives refs the right to be the sacred cows of the GAA.
They should be held accountable for their bad decisions.
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts:4556 - 08/01/2017 20:51:02Who is implying that? Nobody has said that about referees at all but that people should be much more mindful about what the referees does and that they are doing their best and are not helped by fools on the sideline and not helped by a poor rule book and OTT media coverage and countless other things....


We can all agree that there are refs, like players, of varying ability. However, it is also obvious that there are a large number of players, mentors and supporters who think they know the rules because of their involvement in the game for numerous years, when, in fact, their vocal comments against refereeing decisions often display their lack of knowledge of the actual playing rules. I witnessed an inter county manager (and former player on the team of the millennium) loudly protest against a basic decision that went against his team. He asked his opposing number about the call, only to be told that the ref was correct. If someone with that level of involvement was unaware of that basic playing rule, then the lads at club level could possibly be in the same position.
As I said, like in every walk of life, there will be a mixed bag or refs out there. I would be surprised if any at a high level went out with an agenda, or to try and make a game of it by awarding what might appear to be soft frees. Similarly, i would be surprised if a ref wouldn't answer a civil question in relation to a decision (apart from those players being sarcastic, bitching and moaning about every decision the ref made, or those with a bad attitude or aggressive nature).
A bit of education of the rules by players, management and supporters might create a better understanding of what the ref is doing on the pitch. Granted they wont get every decision right, their view could show something completely different to yours, but as long as they are making an honest attempt to ref the match, then let them at it. (Yes, we all know the other refs who will ref from the half way line, bear a grudge against a team or player based on a previous encounter, etc., but these tend to be in the minority!!!)
Torcaill (Australia) - Posts:132 - 08/01/2017 21:34:58spot on very good post.

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 08/01/2017 22:07:26    1944147

Well ormond the oricle what happens when they're assessed and are found to made some massive mistake? A rap on the knuckles and told to be careful in the future no doubt.
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts:4556 - 08/01/2017 17:42:32What is an oricle?
When refs are assessed and they've made mistakes they are given training points and it will depend on mistake, other factors in the game they reffed and then the referee selection committee will decide to either put them into a game at that level again or move them up or down grades depending on the need....


respect is a two way street Ormo. What I've gathered from your responses is that disrespect only comes from players/managers and referees are free to do as they please without being questioned by anybody, because if you do question a ref its being bloody disrespectful isn't it. That's a vicious cycle that helps nobody out there.
SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts:1120 - 08/01/2017 18:47:59If respect is a two way street why do you not call me Ormond.
I have never said that disrespect only comes from players/coaches and that referees are free to do as they pleased. Referees should be questioned but by the right people and only in the right context.

[bkingdomboy, have you ever tried to ref a match?
Torcaill (Australia) - Posts:132 - 08/01/2017 18:53:59Its quite clear he hasn't and neither have several other posters here.

Saffron don
I agree with you 100 % what gives refs the right to be the sacred cows of the GAA.
They should be held accountable for their bad decisions.
KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts:4556 - 08/01/2017 20:51:02Who is implying that? Nobody has said that about referees at all but that people should be much more mindful about what the referees does and that they are doing their best and are not helped by fools on the sideline and not helped by a poor rule book and OTT media coverage and countless other things....


We can all agree that there are refs, like players, of varying ability. However, it is also obvious that there are a large number of players, mentors and supporters who think they know the rules because of their involvement in the game for numerous years, when, in fact, their vocal comments against refereeing decisions often display their lack of knowledge of the actual playing rules. I witnessed an inter county manager (and former player on the team of the millennium) loudly protest against a basic decision that went against his team. He asked his opposing number about the call, only to be told that the ref was correct. If someone with that level of involvement was unaware of that basic playing rule, then the lads at club level could possibly be in the same position.
As I said, like in every walk of life, there will be a mixed bag or refs out there. I would be surprised if any at a high level went out with an agenda, or to try and make a game of it by awarding what might appear to be soft frees. Similarly, i would be surprised if a ref wouldn't answer a civil question in relation to a decision (apart from those players being sarcastic, bitching and moaning about every decision the ref made, or those with a bad attitude or aggressive nature).
A bit of education of the rules by players, management and supporters might create a better understanding of what the ref is doing on the pitch. Granted they wont get every decision right, their view could show something completely different to yours, but as long as they are making an honest attempt to ref the match, then let them at it. (Yes, we all know the other refs who will ref from the half way line, bear a grudge against a team or player based on a previous encounter, etc., but these tend to be in the minority!!!)
Torcaill (Australia) - Posts:132 - 08/01/2017 21:34:58spot on very good post.

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 08/01/2017 22:07:37    1944148

I'll tell you what, I'll address you that way as soon as you treat people as individuals on here and use the reply button to communicate. How's that for basic two way respect?

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2385 - 09/01/2017 12:22:56    1944263

zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 1800 - 09/01/2017 14:34:34    1944310

I'll tell you what, I'll address you that way as soon as you treat people as individuals on here and use the reply button to communicate. How's that for basic two way respect?
SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts:1123 - 09/01/2017 12:22:56 Will you be telling other people to treat me as an individual as well while you are at it. Tell them to quit with the insults aimed at me as just saying I don't treat others as individuals is completely hypocritical.
And emboldening posts is as clear as clicking the post reply button here.

Great post Torcaill. The one thing I would add is that something needs to be done on the fitness levels that some of the referees need to have and also ensuring that there is constant supervised assessment on the rules. As you say refs will come in all shapes and sizes and some will know and try to understand the rules better, others won't bother. Players who for one reason or the other believe they can't continue playing should look at taking up refereeing. Give it a go its a great way to give back to the game, the more choices the GAA have the easier it is to cast aside the ones who are just not up to it.
zinny (Wexford) - Posts:320 - 09/01/2017 14:34:34Referees should be attending monthly/bi weekly courses or meetings ran by referee development officers or top inter county level referees. But I agree on you about getting more ex players reffing.

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 09/01/2017 20:09:02    1944385

how am I supposed to do that? I can only speak for myself. I hope by insults you're not referring to people shortening your name for handiness? you dont appear to have very thick skin for a man claiming to be a referee.

And no they are not as clear as the reply button, they are an absolute mess. If i wish to reply to you it must include 3 or 4 other posters writing as well as mine and it creates confusion as well as repeating so many unnecessary bits of writing. Its not even convenient for you, why bother?

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2385 - 09/01/2017 23:12:44    1944439

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 10/01/2017 00:21:55    1944446