Tuesday 28 July 2009

The referee is a what?

I don't get too much touch line abuse as there are rarely more than the team substitutes on the sides. However, is it surprising that referee respect is falling when we have had a summer of high profile criticism of referees during the Lions tour from coaches, players and the news media.

Rugby: Ref quits over sideline abuse - Rugby - NZ Herald News

We are far from a tipping point just yet, but I thing we have moved on from the thin end of the wedge. We all know where it leads - soccer. The IRB needs to get tough with coaches and national officials who publicly criticise match officials. There are channels which operate behind closed doors; make sure they are used.
In the mean time, I am always happy to talk about my game over a beer in the bar afterwards.

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