I’m not much of a rugby fan, I understand the rules – but I only really watch when its the world cup or the 6 nations. Over the last two weeks I’ve caught a couple of games – France vs Wales and most of the England vs Ireland game yesterday, and I’ve been impressed with the way that the games are run, it seems to me that rugby has embraced the future quicker than many other sports. In both games I saw really controversial decisions being made by the referee with the aid of television evidence and a fourth official, whilst it was happening he had complete control over the players – and transparent communication (with headset microphones being broadcast through the TV).
I’d even argue that the short breaks (15 to 30 seconds) in both games, were the most exciting bits of TV I’d seen in ages, hearing the referee ask his fourth official to analyse a call that couldn’t clearly be judged from the field of play was taut and tense, and the resulting judgement in both cases was 100% correct, and accepted by all the players (however disappointed) on both teams.
Contrast that to the scenes in the Fulham vs Chelsea soccer game at Craven Cottage today, where an assistant referee somehow made the right decison despite being clearly unable to see the play, and Chelsea players surrounded and confronted the officials when one of their players was sent off. Despite my obvious schadenfreude at Chelsea losing – I despise the lack of etiquette in football today, my team are as guilty as any other.
It seems obvious to me – make football more transparent, embrace the technology available and allow the refs to only communicate with one player from each side (the captain). Punish dissent with 10 meter penalties and allow the ref to use a microphone, that way – we can all see and hear how decisions are being made.
And for gods sake, make these highly paid, highly skilled and highly responsible primadonnas STOP cheating!
