Harte: train refs through umpiring

TYRONE boss Mickey Harte has called on GAA chiefs to train young referees by using them as umpires in championship games.

Harte believes this practice would help emerging whistle-blowers gain experience and improve officiating standards. He argues that current umpires are “too static” and there needs to be greater communication between them and the men in the middle.

“I believe this is a missed opportunity for budding young referees. If they were afforded this opportunity to officiate they would gain invaluable experience of the big match atmosphere without the pressure.