Murphy: Stop culture of blaming the ref
Christy Cooney revealed yesterday that the new technology will be road-tested at one of Dublin’s league games but in his annual report Murphy believes the ‘blame culture’ towards referees must stop.
“The past year has been a difficult one for referees with reviews, changes in policies in respect of grading and appointments,” he said.
“We are even examining the use of electronic technology to determine scores or no scores as the case may be.
“In the midst of the prospect of changes we need to focus on the referee and their pivotal role within our overall games programme and foremost, the status of the referee needs to be recognised as central.”
Murphy claimed it would be impossible to have hawk-eye for every game and suggested “a climate of proper application of the rules” as the solution.
“These do require umpires, linesmen, players and team managements to know the rules and to respect the bona fides of everyone involved in the control of our games.
“We need to work on building respect through recognition of rights and responsibilities of all involved and rather than creating a blame culture, we collectively have to be prepared to acknowledge that mistakes occur but as the Court of Arbitration in Sport decided ‘that before a CAS Panel will review a field of play decision, there must be evidence, which generally must be direct evidence, of bad faith.’
“I think that in examining any external intervention seeking solutions to controversial decisions that this position is centre stage as the referee’s decision on any question of fact is final. It is the referees responsibility to ensure that our games are played in accordance with the rules and to achieve this position requires the respect and support of players, mentors and administrators alike towards the referee, the games and the concept of fair play.”
Meanwhile Murphy believes the agreement between the GPA and the GAA is a positive move.
“The agreement between our Association and the GPA, is again in focus but I believe that working with the GPA within the structures of the GAA is the better way forward. We can all improve the relationships by having the administration structures in place as well as having the necessary players and management charters in place that ensure respect of and adherence to the amateur and voluntary ethos of our Association.”
