Refs need help from psychologist

[Aristotle Flynn]

From Hoganstand. Some interesting points.

Refs need help to go from club to Croker stage - psychologist23 January 2008

A leading sports psychologist says leading referees have got to be trained to adapt from officiating at low-profile club games to taking charge of major matches at Croke Park.

Cork city-based Canice Kennedy told a meeting of the National Referees' Association in Athlone last night (Tuesday) that media spotlight has pushed refs to their mental limits.

"Many of the referees are covering club games in front of small numbers and then they are thrust into the national limelight, perhaps in front of 60-70,000 people at Croke Park," Kennedy explained.

"That puts mental pressure on them which they are not normally used to and they need strategies to prepare for that changing environment.

"Of course the rules of the games are the same but the pressures are much greater. If a referee makes a mistake it will be highlighted and they will be criticised on The Sunday Game and they need to put in place a strategy to ensure this criticism does not affect them. The dame goes for players in many ways.

"The sad thing is that a referee could give an excellent performance, make 49 excellent calls but the 50th might be an error which turns a game. There is huge pressure associated with that."

[orangeman]

This is going a bit too far - a lot of them should be seeing psychologists all the time ! 

[Aristotle Flynn]

That's a bit rough! 

[Silky]

More from Hoganstand. It's judgement that's the problem not fitness IMO.


GAA refs undergo medical tests
24 January 2008


Leading referees from around the country are undergoing strict medical checks ahead of the commencement of the national leagues and championships.

The country's top refs are being examined individually at Dublin City University to make sure that they are healthy enough to cope with the increased demands of their posts in the GAA.

At the behest of GAA President Nickey Brennan, the men in black have undergone numerous tests to screen for any possible health issues.

Blood samples have been taken, body fat levels measured and the lung capacities of the referees tested as part of the screening.

Each of the selected refs will undergo a rigorous pre-championship fitness test at the end of March under the supervision of DCU fitness expert Dr. Niall Moyna.

[lynchbhoy]

its not a psychologist they need , its specsavers
(also a read of the rulebook wouldnt go amiss)