The recent trend of referees enforcing laws points to a bigger issue in the game – them.
Who do they think they are, with their ‘rules’? What do they think they’re here for? To preside over a match as a judge with functions dictated by the laws of the game? They are kidding themselves.
The officials and their audacious penalising of transgressions in 2018 is not only a stain on the game, it is an impingement on a footballer’s divine right to do whatever the hell they want on the field.
For those unaware, there’s a reason Australia can’t afford legumes anymore – it’s the record number of peas being blown out of whistles by crusading referees imposing the very rules that necessitate their role.
While nobody knows what the match quota is for penalties, or if there even is a quota, we are all in emphatic agreement referees have been exceeding the number. And if you want to exceed thresholds, go work for Manly.
These self-righteous whistleblowers claim it’s all in the name of ‘cleaning up the game’, but ultimately they just look stupid to important people like bitter analysts and players lazing in the ruck.
Furthermore, it is an ill-considered strategy bound for failure, as it assumes a footballer possesses the mental aptitude to learn from his mistakes.
Overall, referees refereeing proves their overblown egos have again caused them to lose sight of their chief role in the game – to act as a punching bag for losing coaches.
Have they not learnt from their shameful past?
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The tactic of controlling a match is the first step on a disastrous pathway of mission creep, which will surely result in another catastrophe like the compliant utopia overseen by Bill Harrigan.
To be fair, the quicker they officially relinquish control to the coaches and Queensland Immortals, the better. Because they’ll never conquer culture.
The concept of a stern official flies in the face of rugby league’s hyper-masculine principles, where taking orders from a subordinate is taboo and whistles are considered fruity.
Referees should be seen and not heard. They shouldn’t have an edgy image like Gavin Badger, they shouldn’t call footballers by anything other than ‘master’, and they definitely shouldn’t be keeping them back the ten. So they’re pretty much stuffed.
Sure, they may have the support of Todd Greenberg, but he won’t be around much longer now that he’s endorsed referees.
Unfortunately for the CEO, he has breached the first golden rule of rugby league – never support a ref. Refs are refs because they’ve never been supported, and those who do so could only be their mother, or a referee who is keying another referee’s car.
Why do you think the referees boss never lasts more than a year in the role?
In summary, expecting players to play by the rules is killing the game, and Greenberg needs an immediate solution that doesn’t involve keeping the players onside.
Referees in crisis, etc.
1st&10
Guest
Stop calling players by their first name . It would be the first step in the perception that refs are not impartial. We saw in the NFL a ref in celebration of a patriots win. Perception of objectivity is more important than being chummy with players . It will increase the respect an authoritative figure must posses in order to act with integrity This chummy attitude with players must cease. Refs must be professional in all facets of their authority
steveng
Roar Rookie
HaHaaa Dane what a classic, 'For those unaware, there’s a reason Australia can’t afford legumes anymore – it’s the record number of peas being blown out of whistles by crusading referees' that's why I haven't been able to get my peas for my pie and gravy! I'll keep that in my resume for the future, when referees will also run out of lips and breath to blow that darn whistle lol great article and very hilarious but true!
Bargeall
Guest
I agree with rellum, don't the refs know they are supposed to ref for drama and I know we have to have a token Kiwi ref but Perenara wont get another FTA TV game after his hopelessly one-sided game last week. Allow Cummins and Sutton for the big games so they are close.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
3 Hats, I agree with everything you have written
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
Dane Eldridge, maybe you should know your place also? The referees have been trodden on for years by the Players and Coaches downright cheating and it is the same clubs year after year benefiting from it all. Storm, Broncos, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Sharks, Sea Eagles are the main beneficiaries. I prefer to see 30 penalties a game if that means getting cheats like Cam Smith to toe the line and obey the rules of the game. Penalise them they will eventually get the message. Ok, they are trying to clean up the play-the-ball and the 10 metres. That is a start. They need to go a step further and ping players stepping to the side and forcing the markers to be ruled off-side as in the Tigers/Broncos game. NEXT, it should be holding down in the ruck and second efforts to slow the play-the-ball down. Blockers on kick chase should also be addressed. Also on field goal shots, That Broncos field goal should have been a penalty to the Tigers. Once the players realise that they can't get away with cheating and rubbish tactics the better the game will be for all.
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
Maybe Cam Smith needs to know his place?
Malo
Guest
Unfortunately clubs like Melbourne cheat, tackling a player for 30seconds, to slow the play down that the reds have to keep penalise them. Bellamy is destroying the game as well as making it more dangerous hence the broken necks
Dane Eldridge
Expert
kk, I am undeserving of your glowing praise, and I thank you for your kind words. Especially the comparison to a horse
kk
Guest
G'day Dane, You are the problem solver of the century. Lot 22: Dissident - Assail at Inglis Easter has taken my eye and if my bid is successful, with your permission, I will name him 'Eldridge' in appreciation of your services to common sense thinking and application thereof to solving the impossible, especially in the GGoA.. The connection between Racing and League was formalised with the appointment of Peter V'landys to keep an eye on the other Peter, Prince Bozo, who would have a team at both Poles if not reined in. When it comes to rules this pair will run a great decoy line for GAS, Greenberg the Great, Archer and Sutton. An anaesthetist will now be required to aid the Youi's create the glorious uncertainty of inconsistency of the whistlemen. GAS should introduce lazer beam technology to control the 10m problem and legalise the tunnel ball to eliminate the fumbles advantage. The best thing would be to appoint Dane Eldridge as El Supremo to guide the game to greatness.
AJ Mithen
Expert
It's coming Dane - just writing up the usual 560,000 word 'summary' that comes with a good online petition!
Rellum
Roar Guru
But then Greenberg has to listen to Joey's endless phone call's about how the ref's don't understand "Drama", so easier to put Klein in the naughty corner.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Klein should be applauded for his attempts to keep things business as usual
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Indeed, Tim. By 2203, we will be wishing referees were corrupt
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Where's the petition, AJ? Would love to sign in bold type using my OUTRAGE font
Emcie
Roar Guru
Just send them now, it is inevitable after all
McTavish
Roar Rookie
I don't think Klein is enjoying Greenberg's "support" after getting demoted for one call that would not have raised an eyebrow except for the context of when and where it was made.
AJ Mithen
Expert
I've got formal letters of complaint (and 50,000 tweets) drafted and ready to go when this inevitable outcome occurs Emcie!
Emcie
Roar Guru
What happens when one of those self-important ref's costs a team a premiership by applying the laws of the game? Won't anyone think of the children!
Gurudoright
Guest
Damn those referees following the rules!!!!
tim
Guest
But the refereeing is the worst it's ever been, just like it will be next year, the year after that, and in 2203. It's a disgrace!