Refs Have Key Role To Play

Thursday 06.10.2011

Club

With the semi finals of the championship and the relegation play off down for decision this weekend players and managers can approach these games rather nervously hoping that they produce a performance that reflects the effort and preparation they have put in. However they are not the only men under the microscope this weekend and with so much riding on the outcomes of these three games, the referees involved will be hoping they also produce performances that reflect their capabilities. It is amazing how many times referee turn out to be the decisive figures in the outcome of such games, well according to the losers that is. The tighter the game the more important the ref’s calls become and tight decisions can have a major impact on the outcome of a game.
Just like players, the referees will go out intent on doing the best he can and hopefully have a good game into the bargain. Just like the players and the managers he will make mistakes and get one or two calls wrong. Unfortunately the average football supporter is an unforgiving sort who quite often wears blinkers that only see one colour and if he perceives that a wrong has been done to his team he will let the ref know it. Such responses are understandable but can go over the top especially when you consider that most of those people who hassle referees don’t attend too many games and certainly would not take up the whistle themselves.
So this weekend if you feel like blowing your top at a decision that goes against your team, and you feel like shouting that you could do better yourself, make sure and check with your club secretary when the next referee’s course is on and put your name down to be on it. Refs are doing a difficult job and the last thing they need as they leave the pitch is to be on the receiving end of abuse from supporters.