Referees blow whistle on expenses

Referees in Wexford have fired the first shot across the GAA’s bows in relation to the new expenses structure.

At a meeting in Enniscorthy onSunday evening, county officialscategorically rejected the plan to cut match expenses to €13.71 per game with a 50c per mile mileage.

With county championships starting up next month, there had been a threat of referees withdrawing services. However, they were yesterdayguaranteed their previous rate — €50 for adult games and €30 for underage games — would be retained.

The consequences of that could be far-reaching as the GAA attempt to ensure referees’ expenses are in line with the Revenue’s guidelines.

Waterford referees have also been told they will be entitled to their 2011 rates again this year, although Roscommon and Limerick have been informed of the €13.71 per game and 50c per mile expenses.

The news from Wexford is the first indication of the opposition among club referees to the new proposals.

“Having received the information which we requested from Croke Park, the referees emphatically rejected the proposals,” explained Wexford referees chairman John Rossiter.

“The referees said they did not like it so decided to withdraw their services.

“However, the county chairman who could not attend our meeting, intervened. Having spoken with the powers that be, and following consultation with the county chairman, we have decided to row back on our decision for the time being.”

Meanwhile, Ulster chairman Aogan Farrell has questioned the validity of the newly-formed Gaelic MatchOfficials Association (GMOA).Headed by Antrim referee Ray Matthews, who was assaulted in a club game last year, and Tipperary’s Alan Nash, the GMOA has been increasing its membership, especially at club level.

“There is an attempt to start a Gaelic officials association for referees,umpires and linesmen,” said Farrell. “What next, a county chairman’s association, a Gaelic lottery sellers society and perhaps a scór adjudicators union? We have one GAA for all and that should be enough. Sectional interest groups weaken the overall effort, stand firm by the official guide, the GAA is built on community and the opposite of community is individual.”