Former Wexford hurling boss Davy Fitzgerald says the GAA needs to try and facilitate a better relationship between referees and managers.

Players’ treatment of referees in rugby is something which is admired as disrespect towards officials is not tolerated within the sport.

Writing in his column for the Irish Mirror, Fitzgerald said the GAA should follow rugby’s example in having referees meet with coaches before and after games for clearer communication.

“There's a lot to admire about how rugby referees interact with the teams that they officiate and something the GAA should take heed of," wrote Fitzgerald, who is now involved in the Cork senior camogie management set-up.

“In the recent Six Nations, for example, the coaches had an opportunity to briefly chat with the match referee ahead of the game, where he will set out his stall on how he intends to ref it while taking a few questions in the presence of the refereeing coordinator.

“There’s also an opportunity for a debrief the day after the game. It’s important from a manager’s point of view to understand how the referee saw it.

“In hurling, some refs are very good communicators though others look at you with contempt when you query something, even if it’s done in a respectful manner - though I accept that that’s something I haven’t always managed to do.

“But I have spoken to referees privately in the aftermath of games in a conciliatory manner and it’s been positive for all parties. There should be accountability on both sides and there’s no need for referees to be snotty as dismissive about it - provided it’s done in the right way.

“Having short pre- and post-match briefings for referees and managers, like they do in rugby, is something the GAA would do well to look into.”

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