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And that is exactly how I interpreted your post and agree.

The naive comment probably more related to the like of PJ there even though I get his sentiment.

I agree with NAG.

Naive to think a referee going rogue with the rules is going to quieten the dissenting voices.

Be as likely to leave them feeling vindicated that the referee is not capable of applying the rules of the game.

On another note...

Big win for Cushendall in the U21 last night. They look strong and will be good for them getting ones that age into the senior setup as a few maybe in their twilight years.

I think most of the main players have already got a fair amount of senior miles on the clock.

But will certainly be very useful as other lads enter the twilight.

Heard recently one of our more senior officials has been responding to shouts from spectators by moving the ball up the pitch.

I did question if it was a case of mistaken identity for someone inside the wire but apparently not.

Maybe get more sensitive with age but I see this as an opportunity and have been practicing accents from every corner of the county.

Happened once in the league at our place and I believe it happened in Portaferry I believe with an Antrim referee.

Both times the supporter in question got dogs abuse from the team managements and those around them.

It may well have a good knock on effect to those arseholes who think because they pay a fiver in can shout and abuse all around them.

Maybe.  Or maybe the referee(s) involved shouldn't be such snowflakes because let's face it the crowd in attendance are always going to react as a games goes.

And if it is proper abuse (I didn't gather that it was) then clubs should be dealing with it. Or as you say self policing from those in attendance even better.

I do like the dissent rule and think it has been a success.  But let's implement it as written instead of making up versions and abusing ones position.

Heard recently one of our more senior officials has been responding to shouts from spectators by moving the ball up the pitch.

I did question if it was a case of mistaken identity for someone inside the wire but apparently not.

Maybe get more sensitive with age but I see this as an opportunity and have been practicing accents from every corner of the county.

I was looking at the league table recently and thinking you would have a 1a and 1b there that should be reasonably competitive based on exact finishing positions this year.

Might not be the top 8 teams in championship mode (though maybe not far off) as the league season presents different challenges for different clubs e.g. county commitments, dual commitments etc.

But the league table is a fair reflection of what the league season looks like for all.

I'm a little surprised by the importance suddenly being given to winning a North Antrim Feis competition.

At juvenile level, and to an extent at adult levels also, I always thought the real value was in giving more players games in Championship style competition.

It inevitably coincided with holidays so generally saw teams go deeper into their squads anyway.

Good coaching in clubs coupled with raw material.

I'd imagine finance is the main obstacle to county coaches being in and around clubs plenty.

But what would it take to at least come in and work with groups and set out some sort of season development plan, training plans etc on a case by case basis?

Some clubs or teams within clubs might feel they don't need it but a lot could benefit.

Parents are essential everywhere but they are often also a weakness.  End up following teams and learning the true requirements for each level as they go.  Need more than that.

'Fire abuse' is a bit of a reach.

All the funnier coming from someone using the term 'snowflake' a little while ago.

Ah the classic comeback of 'you do the job'.

And then a good dose of whataboutery (poor performance of players and managers).

😂😂😂👍

I'm not really arriving at any conclusions - just observations unless you count highlighting sub standard referees as a conclusion.

Nor am I justifying abuse but a poor refereeing performance will frustrate those in attendance. Personally I don't believe shouting at a poor referee will make them any better.

That's interesting about the shouting when frees are about to be hit. So basically shout as much as you want when a lad is hitting a free as long as it is not directly aimed at him.

Maybe I should be congratulating teams fully exploiting that loophole now you have clarified.

If the free taker gets put off by shouting it is the players fault and needs to be stood down from the role.

But if a referee is making a balls of his job suck it up.

Looking down through the results from seniors to u16 games and the likes on the Antrim website,  are there only a handful of referees in the county? Seems to be the same names game in,  game out, they must be out 3 or 4 times a week?

I assume they get paid for this?

Expenses

Shortage of referees, no shortage of referees during match day though at the grounds 

There is a shortage of referees of a high standard.

The regular appearance of poor ones gets people in attendance extremely frustrated.

I have seen experienced referees make decisions lately that are baffling and have had to go home and pick through the rules to make sure I am not losing it.

This leads to referees coming in for a lot of criticism which in turn makes the job look a poor attraction.

Of course there will be an element that are on a referees case from start to finish regardless.

And getting enough volunteers for a number of roles is a struggle for most clubs in the county.

And while I am at it - what is the story with guldering when lads are about to hit frees?

Like of Cargin and Portglenone are flat out at it and a few others as well. It's not shouting at the free taker but clearly deliberate as it's a roaring match 'watch the post' being a particular favourite.

Is that all acceptable because it's bloody obvious what the tactic is.

Do we know the championship paths beyond the group stage yet?

I think Cargin are rightly favourites but Creggan and possibly St Brigids will have a say.

Dunloy will depend on availability of key men, Portglenone just don't seem to have the mettle and while Aghagallon look far better stocked this year and will be interesting they will probably come up short as well. Galls worth keeping an eye on.

Don't think any of the others are in the conversation though LD have improved and have decent experience in the ranks- but wouldn't be parting with money there.

No idea why Rossa are so far up the betting - maybe due to their group.

We digress.

Main point wasn't about St Endas but rather the lack of players, or lack of players committing, from South and West Belfast.

That's not a dig either.  It's a frustration that we cannot seem to fully harness that potential.

So they play North Antrim competitions at every level up to and including Senior in hurling.

Football I am not sure they still take part in the O'Cahan Cup but they play all juvenile competitions.