Disgraceful Mayo GAA suppoters

[muppet]

And it's worth noting that the average number of refereeing errors in rugby is at least as high as that in football. But effective legislation and its enforcement mean that the games are conducted in an atmosphere where refereeing decisions are accepted without question.

Isn't another factor that there are no rules in rugby? That is, there are 'laws' of the game, but no 'rules'. While this might seem an innocuous difference, it follows through that a referee is in place to interpret the laws, not to enforce the rules. Therefore he cannot be wrong, as the calls are his interpretations, and the players coaches etc are aware of this.

I hadn't thought of it that way, but even so, I don't think it makes much difference. The referee is right by definition in our game too.  Just changing our rules into laws and telling GAA players that the referee is even more right is not going to make much difference without effective legislation to enforce mutual respect.

If we called the ref 'Judge' instead......and the linesmen 'Chief Superintendent' and the umpires 'Detective', things might change.

[haranguerer]

And it's worth noting that the average number of refereeing errors in rugby is at least as high as that in football. But effective legislation and its enforcement mean that the games are conducted in an atmosphere where refereeing decisions are accepted without question.

Isn't another factor that there are no rules in rugby? That is, there are 'laws' of the game, but no 'rules'. While this might seem an innocuous difference, it follows through that a referee is in place to interpret the laws, not to enforce the rules. Therefore he cannot be wrong, as the calls are his interpretations, and the players coaches etc are aware of this.

I hadn't thought of it that way, but even so, I don't think it makes much difference. The referee is right by definition in our game too.  Just changing our rules into laws and telling GAA players that the referee is even more right is not going to make much difference without effective legislation to enforce mutual respect.

I just think it probably encourages a different attitude right from underage - in gaelic the referee is questioned in practically every game, in every age group.

Of course, effective legislation is the key. Theres something badly wrong with the rules whenever, as is often the case when a player is bottled up and the ref blows his whistle, literally no-one in the ground but the ref knows what way the free is going to be given. I reckon also that they should look at awarding 'gimme' frees for certain fouls, or persistent fouling, no matter where the foul takes place. With penalty tries being a punishment in rugby, players know that 'professional' foul play will not be beneficial, and act accordingly.

[Jinxy]

And it's worth noting that the average number of refereeing errors in rugby is at least as high as that in football. But effective legislation and its enforcement mean that the games are conducted in an atmosphere where refereeing decisions are accepted without question.

Isn't another factor that there are no rules in rugby? That is, there are 'laws' of the game, but no 'rules'. While this might seem an innocuous difference, it follows through that a referee is in place to interpret the laws, not to enforce the rules. Therefore he cannot be wrong, as the calls are his interpretations, and the players coaches etc are aware of this.

I hadn't thought of it that way, but even so, I don't think it makes much difference. The referee is right by definition in our game too.  Just changing our rules into laws and telling GAA players that the referee is even more right is not going to make much difference without effective legislation to enforce mutual respect.

If we called the ref 'Judge' instead......and the linesmen 'Chief Superintendent' and the umpires 'Detective', things might change.

"Arrah f*ck off your honour!"

[ballymac]

When I used rugby as a good example of respect for refs I didn't expect some of the reactions to that sport. Regardless of the sport cited, I was trying to get debate on how we within the GAA, because as a spectator, coach, player, official in any capacity, we are all part of the GAA. I would expect that most people on here have a healthy interest in the sport.
As a matter of interest has anyone taken a look at the Code of Conduct that has been set out by HQ. Of course it is 'the ideal' that clubs should aspire to. But, if we all worked towards achieving some of those things it might help.
Someone replied in this thread that three of his clubmates were a bit of an embarassment shouting at refs and he is now considering telling those guys to 'wise up' (my interpretation).

We all need to take small steps, and if that means asking someone to refrain from verbally abusing a ref, especially at a youth match then that is a start. The revolution starts here.

I am not saying that refs are perfect, far from it, but laws or rules or whatever form of control needs to have a greater degree of consistency. I would like to hear from a referee, are there any hiding out there? Do refs meet with managers before big games, eg AI club finals or AI finals and discuss how they would like to see the game going and what instructions they have been given. At a lower level do refs meet with club coaches to highlight the main concerns and problems that refs face at youth and club level ? This only needs to happen at start or end of season.
Having coached a team of u16 boys, (any coaches will tell you the most problematic age group) I had to tell them that the ref was a blind useless biased so and so before the match started, so dont be surprised when he gives a poor decision. Don't argue or talk back or question his decision making. Always worked 
This is not the right way to deal with fact that players and some coaches think they can 'ref' the game themselves and argue every decision.
Inter county footballers are used as examples of 'good players' to younger players and so should inter county managers be used as an example to coaches at all levels, PROVIDING THEY DO SHOW GOOD EXAMPLE. I could name a few but I will let you name your own.