RUFC - The Ref (part two)

Rotherham Vital asked The Ref if he would answer some questions for us and he kindly agreed. Here is part two...



Do you think Goal-line technology (Hawkeye) will ever or should ever come in or are you in favour of the human error / these things level themselves out over a season theory?

Another case for it recently was the Fulham 'Goal'.

The Ref's answer was:

Absolutely!

But bear in mind a game currently lasts for 90 minutes, how much longer would we predict a game to last if we are stopping the game throughout to consult with the 4th official / TV judge?

What decisions would we stop the game for? Penalties? Goals? Fouls? Corners? Throw Ins?

I can see it coming in regarding goals, probably like the Cyclops technology at Wimbledon where the ball can be coated in something that registers when it has crossed the line, but regarding the other stuff, would it stop people diving? Feigning injury? Who knows!

What do you think of the player having to go off the pitch after receiving treatment rule?

The answer was:

Personally I see this as more interfering from FIFA, if a player is hurt, get the trainer on and get him treated.

If he is taking the p***, the he gets cautioned.

Simple no nonsense, if it's merely to waste time, then it`s a caution, if the guy is hurt then the probably will go off anyway!!

What are the most yellow/red cards you have handed out in one game?

The Ref answered:

Mexico City U19 Boys -VS- New York City U19 Boys

Minnesota USA

Yellows - 14

Red - 6

A game that I hope never to get again, just wanted to fight, football was just an excuse

What is the funniest incident you have seen/been involved in whilst reffing?

He answered:

Once again, back to my refereeing in the USA, I was walking around the stadium when I noticed that a game was being played.

The weather was terrible and the rain was pouring down.

Now picture the referee running about the field between 22 players carrying an umbrella, how he did not take someone`s eye out was unbelievable.

More close to home would probable have to be the stumble of Referee Paul Alcock after the Paolo Di Canio incident, I remember seeing that in the Clubhouse after a match at North Ferriby and actually being embarrassed to be a referee.

Ok the guy pushed him, but it was a little bit OTT for me.

Another incident was when I was actually running the line and the referee who shall remain nameless, cautioned a player for a late tackle, and the player gave his name as Mickey Mouse.

The referee then sent the player off for dissent at giving a stupid name.

The player later appealed against this and yes, his name was Michael Mouse.

Needless to say the appeal was upheld.

and finally -This is just one of my 'things' - but I often think it would be better having 4 assistants, then they could watch a quarter of the pitch each. What do you think of this or would it confuse?

The Ref answered

What are you woman….. Mad????(THe Ref - I admit to being crazy and maybe a little dotty but never ever the 'M' word!!!)

No seriously, there was talk previously to having two referees instead of one, each doing their own half, but yet again it all came down to the individual interpretation.

For example:

Referee 1 cautions a player for what he believes is unsporting behaviour (vague I know) and states that if he persists and does this again he will be sent off.

The player goes down the other end of the field and does the same thing again, but Referee 2 interprets his actions as being different.

Does he get sent off or have the caution cancelled out?

It would not work with 4 linesmen either.

Who decides on the decisions in the centre of the field?

Leave that one with you!!!!

I would like to thank The Ref for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions - even though he does think I'm the 'M' word!!! LOL

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