McEnaney: Refs must talk more

Referees chief Pat McEnaney has told his match officials to talk with players more in an attempt to become less dictatorial.

The Monaghan native said he has encouraged referees to explain to players why they are awarding frees or issuing yellow and red cards.

“Respect and communication is what it’s about,” said the National Referees Association chairman. “If a player wants to know what the foul’s for he’s quite entitled to be told. That is part of his (the referee’s) job.

“You’re not going to get respect by being a dictator. Players don’t like dictators. They like a fella who will communicate with them and get things across and become a facilitator more than a referee. That’s where we want to go.”

McEnaney is delighted so far with the performances of his Championship panel of referees in both codes.

“I must say we’re going really well. Yeah, we’ve had a couple of blips but I think the lads have been good.”

Even though there were distinct differences in how David Coldrick and Joe McQuillan refereed provincial derby games in Cork and Armagh last Sunday, McEnaney was pleased with their performances.

“David Coldrick, I thought he had a good game. It’s all down to the players. I was at the game in Armagh and the players just got on with it.

“Yeah, maybe there was a bit of verbals (between Cork and Kerry) but I thought Davy handled the game well.

“The number one thing I look for in a referee is control and he was never out of control of that game.

“Both referees are in the top echelon and there’s not a whole lot of difference between them.