Referees

[Big G]

Can anyone tell me why it seems less and less that Referees come for a drink after the game?

In the past most would come for a drink and a chat, why has this changed, is this a rule by the league?

I could understand when maybe a ref has sent a player off but still think it can only be good for the league to bridge gaps.

Is this only in the prem?

Does anyone else have an opinion on this?

Tommy you were a ref?

[Tommy Trophy]

Gino I always had a drink after the game at the ground if possible (but maybe it was easier for me as I knew most people and was a brilliant ref - well I thought I was anyway!) human nature dictates that unfortunately refs are always going to be subject to questioning over "why did you give that decision" etc. etc. which is a valid reason why maybe they don't tend to bother.

I have to say that since we were taken away from the supply status for officials and ended up with some of the more experienced guys, the refs in our league are generally fantastic - Chapman, Flynn, Nichols, Henson etc. are all top drawer and ref our games as they need to be done.

Had Thorold yesterday and unfortunately he does not come into that category, but overall we should all be grateful for the excellence of the ref's we are given - certainly better than a lot of the players!

[Ross]

....human nature dictates that unfortunately refs are always going to be subject to questioning over "why did you give that decision" etc. etc. which is a valid reason why maybe they don't tend to bother.......

That there in my opinion is the problem. When i was refereeing, i never had a problem going back to the bar after the game, unless i had sent someone off, given a penalty etc, as this can create a bad atmosphere, and you dont really want to continue the argument from the pitch, and bring it to the bar. It can be very nerving sitting there on your own, particularly when you dont really know the players, my main problem here in London, wasnt so much of a problem back home in Peterborough.

[pmcvey]

I read with interest about the referees not going into the bar after a game. Speaking as a local referee does anyone bother inviting the referee to the pub/club bar after a match. I can honestly say that this season, apart from Netherton United, i havent been invited back after a game. Maybe, the fact that the referee is not always made welcome in the bar is another reason. Speaking from personal experience from the United Counties League you are made to feel like a leper and no one actually wants you there!

[Ray Pest]

I feel that the ref should allways go for a drink, everyone knows that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch, as soon as the final whistle blows everyone shakes hands, from my experience in local football i fyou have had beef with a player all game or have been winding each other up, at the end of the game it ends with a good hand shake and " see you next time".

[tom flynn]

Cheers Gino me not being one to refuse :bub:

[pufc stalwart]

I have to agree with you Tommy about Nigel Thorold. I have been playing for 15 years and I don't think I have come across a worse referee. The bloke seems to be on a power trip and he just has no common sense at all.

I know referees have a hard enough job, but if the bloke would only listen and not think he is Mr high and mighty, he may get more respect.

And to think his son is now refereeing as well. God help us all!!!

[Tommy Trophy]

My post was not a criticism of Mr Thorold, rather pointing out that he is not in my opinion in the same league as those mentioned, who are all very good.

They can't all be stars, and when I see the likes of Mcvey and Butterly appointed to our games I don't have a moments worry about their ability to handle themselves and the game appropriately.

Naturally there are 1 or 2 that you wince at when you see them lined up against your team, but then there are probably refs who do the same when seeing they have to do an Ortonains or Moulton game for example.

[ianh]

Speaking from personal experience from the United Counties League you are made to feel like a leper and no one actually wants you there!

Mr McVey, you were made welcome at Sleaford for the Corby Cottingham game last year, and would have been invited for a drink if you hadnt had an injury at halftime, took your money and went.

So its not really fair to generalise

[CAFC]

I would really like to think that 'at the end of the game we all shake hands and all is forgotten'. Rubbish. I'm affraid there are not nearly enough people with that attitude. I have tried the reasoning with players after the game approach. Forget it. Some are just so far up their own backsides not even Tom could pull them out. Most expect too much of a referee who has to take responsibility for all but, ball in and out of play and offsides, but of course they are the referees fault when the flag does or doesn't go up. Rant over, for now.

Coates do make a point of inviting the refs back and on occasion we have forgot to invite a ref or two. Not deliberately. And we do get one or two who come back for a chat. Personally I believe that there is a lot more to our game than the 90mins, which many of you have mentioned before.

And if any of our Reserves take the time to read this. THERE'S MORE TOO THE GAME THAN JUST TURNING UP FOR THE GAME. I like to call it team spirit.