Coldrick backs umpire moves

ALL-IRELAND SFC final referee David Coldrick last night gave a guarded welcome to plans to improve umpiring standards but expressed reservations about how the system will operate.

GAA chiefs at the weekend backed plans for all umpires to receive revamped specialist training leading to certification and inclusion on an inter-county panel from which league and championship officials will be selected.

The proposed changes will require umpires to undertake tests on the rules and the package of proposals are to be forwarded to the National Referees Committee for implementation by next year’s senior championships.