The NRL’s referees will no longer wear pink, with Fairfax Media reporting they feel the colour undermines their authority. But pink jerseys are the least of their problems!
The reason NRL referees don’t have respect is because of inconsistencies and poor standards. They aren’t enforcing the rules, and have thus lost control.
Changing the colour of their jerseys is not going to change this perception.
Putting the referees in a different colour is not going to enforce discipline, but blowing a penalty when a player is doing something wrong will. Stop giving warnings when players are doing something wrong. I don’t understand why referees are so hesitant to blow penalties.
When referees aren’t enforcing the rules, players are going to try and get away with whatever they can. The players know the rules, if they don’t abide by them then they should be penalised. A lenient approach leaves the refs open to being taking advantage of, it does not earn them respect.
Players and coaches will bend the rules as much as they can. If penalties are blown instead of warnings given, coaches will ensure their players are disciplined.
The NRL are really clutching at straws if they think this is going to fix the problem with referees. Changing the colour of the referee’s jersey is just a band-aid solution. It won’t have any effect at all in regards to the respect the players show them.
The major issue is the inconsistent decisions being made by the on-field referees and the video referees, made because there are so many grey areas within the rules of the game. Leaving rules up to interpretation will always lead to inconsistencies. This is where the NRL should be spending their time and money.
Respect is earned. The NRL has a long way to go before the fans and players respect the referees.
Changing the colour of their jerseys will do nothing to earn respect or create discipline. If anything it has made them the laughing stock of the game.
TIM
Guest
They should go back to one referee and they should wear red or yellow, no blue
VMan
Roar Rookie
Now I have heard everything...The colour pink undermines them? I'm glad they are not wearing pink anymore, as I feel their horrid standards and arrogance didn't do justice for the cause that I thought they were supporting wearing pink. Or was that just for attempted sympathy? Going by their authoritarian attitudes maybe black is more appropriate.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Stop calling them by their first names and trying to be best mates with them. Blue 9, Green 5 suffices and keeps a respectable distance between refs and players.
Michael
Guest
Respect is earned. The NRL has a long way to go before the fans and players respect the referees. Changing the colour of their jerseys will do nothing to earn respect or create discipline. If anything it has made them the laughing stock of the game. How offensive. You have no idea of what Referees do to prepare and to get to NRL level. When was the last Referee drugs scandal?? Respect?
madrid john
Guest
Thanks for that AR. I enjoy aussie rules from time to time, but obviously i'm not well informed. I appreciate the info. cheers
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I wear pink shirts and don't feel feminine. But I do worry that my butt looks too big in these shorts. ;-)
Cugel
Roar Rookie
So pink = female = less deserving of respect?
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
Im glad they are no longer pink. Pink is not a color for men. I like the armband thing.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
The colour of their shirts is not an issue - pink is the new black isn't it? It cracks me up that they not only have shirt sponsors, but it's for specsavers, that is truly hilarious.
MAX
Guest
I think Zedman is correct. Try yellow.. The whistle has ruined Rules and Union. Best on mute Less whistle better game. If every law in Australia was enforced we would be stifled into oblivion. Rugby League refereeing is cursed with a rulebook that invites varying interpretation. Discontent arises when too often we see one team unfairly treated by a referee to establish game control. I suspect there is more politics in Referee Land than at a Labor caucus meeting. The rules need to be simplified and unambiguous. A complete revision and this time get it right ...and one (1) Ref only. Television and Rugby League is THE most successful marriage ever. We are so lucky. Let it flow.
AR
Guest
For over 100 years, AFL umpires were not just criticised, they were derided, abused and mocked. The "white maggot" insult could be heard from the stands from crusty old supporters as well as kids. Of course, what happened, is that there was an alarming shortage of umpires (particularly at grassroots) in the 80/90s...and who could blame them?! Today, the general consensus is that umpires do a very good job. The game is fluid and fast and has no off-side rule - so objectively, it's very hard to officiate 'on the go'. The major recent challenge has been that the Rules Committee has adjusted or 're-interpreted' certain rules (mostly around player welfare), so the umpires have had to adjust to that. There are 3 field umpires, 4 dedicated boundary umpires, 2 goal umpires and they now all wear fluro green uniforms. But to answer your question, yes, I think the umpires in the AFL generally have far less 'impact' than their cousins in the NRL.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
I thought the pink was to aid in the battle against cancer in women.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I don't really care what they wear to be honest. Polka dots and a tutu would be adequate.
Madrid john
Roar Rookie
One reason they cop flak is because they are so influencial. Excuse my ignorance Aussie Rules fans, but from what i can see, their impact on a game is much less. As far as football goes, well, considering the mammoth egos of the players and the Godfather like corruption indemic in FIFA, I suppose football fans have enough to worry about already. Golf refs seem to get off lightly too, mind you, Bull fighting whistle blowers cop a beating like you wouldn't believe.
rarojuice
Guest
No its not going to solve all the referee problems, but a good decision none the less. Rightly or wrongly NRL refs bag a lot more criticism from fans, players and coaches then most refs do in other sports. Not dressing them up like marshmallows is a good start.