Search results

I suppose if you could prove that the current operators are lacking in ability and professionalism, which I doubt, you would still need to recruit and train new officials. Until then VAR only adds another layer of media intrigue, confusion for spectators and perceived injustice from players. All...

I agree; it's such a regular state of affairs that punditry and common perceptions are out of alignment with referees' application of the laws that it is accepted. But it has a whole host of negative consequences, as we have seen. Frustration and bewilderment are arguably major causes of abuse...

U16 girls; yes, it was a case of moving the attacker out of the way and because of the relatively low force in challenges during the rest of the match, it stuck out. As you say, in other matches it might have been more in keeping with context.

Thanks for the clarification. That was my instinct.

Some strange goalkeeper incidents today: Made a mistake when a keeper gained control of ball, then pushed an attacker, which would have been a penalty. Not sure why, but seeing the keeper with ball in hand deceived me into not giving it; you have to be prepared for any scenario, I guess...

I don't disagree with you; I admit it was warranted. It's hard sometimes to break from the false notion that cautions are only given after warnings.

I tend to agree, and would actually kind of understand if there had been a few I had let go, but it was not a physical match and he was citing absolutely trivial contact. It genuinely felt as if he had decided the match needed a scene to make his weekend. As you say, a word did suffice on this...

This morning's match taught me that, even after many years and a gut feeling that a match is going well, one can never be fully prepared for potential incidents. I had overseen a very uneventful 30 mins of a game with the away team up 3-0 already. I had given perhaps two free kicks; I then gave...

Thank you for all your comments. Those decisions weigh a little lighter a few days after, and as you say, the positioning on a free kick has to weigh up different factors and may depend on quality of the teams. I can probably be more flexible.

Yesterday I was assigned two games on a large 3G pitch. Given that I lack weekly practice (not in a fitness sense, just from an officiating perspective) and do about a game a month, I might have foreseen that this might be a challenge. Omens were perhaps not good as regards treatment of referees...

I think I may have done this once, but it wasn't a decisive goal, as I recall. Regarding the unwritten rule about restarting and playing for 10-15 seconds, I once did that at the end of a very contentious and difficult youth game, and typically a player from the team which had just conceded ran...

I think VAR increases the risk of this unsavoury sight, to be honest. Because the need and ability to change a decision is immediately available, and seems in common ownership (rather than at the referee's discretion) despite directives to the contrary.

I was also surprised nothing was called for a while (again, I think that is another unforeseen problem with VAR). I had a similar one last weekend where I could be damned if I knew what exactly had happened, but there was a complete mess-up by the goalkeeper, limbs and bodies flying around, and...

I just find it amusing how wrong you appear to have got me given that for a long time I have been told (both in terms of my day job and refereeing) that I give people the benefit of the doubt, do not always apply logical consequences to actions, and in fact should be more cold-blooded. I was...

I struggle to see how I have demonstrated a lack of empathy. That is some stretch. I took a game with a few days' notice and didn't realise I would have to wear particular studs. So there was frustration there, but at least they lent me boots. Of course, if he strictly could not be moved, that...

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. For the record, no! I did an U18 game after the U7 matches, and this booking was for a 17 yo. (Although there were some chuckles among the youngsters about the possibility of getting a booking in their very first game at 6 years of age; a way to introduce...

I don't see an issue with the OP's approach here really. As we know, it is rare that a CAR will follow pre-match instructions to the letter. I tell them that if I don't blow/overrule, they should not worry. We can always discuss problems during a break in play. Some will raise the flag because...

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. There are paramedics on standby for the Premier League, I suppose. It was shortly after the 70 minute mark, so the result will probably stand. As for 3G, I will have to gather a bigger sample but am open to your impressions.

I was called up to fill a few gaps this morning (my first non-friendly fixtures for 18 months due to work), and it was quite eventful. Some issues that I wouldn't mind some input on: 1) There is no way U7 mini soccer can fit into a 45-minute schedule. Either return to 20 minute halves or make...

It may be consistent on their current terms, but they seem very strange to me. Using VAR partially keeps begging further questions. The demand, once awoken, is insatiable. Assistants will be threatened next.