07-24-2017, 04:57 AM
Umpiring was poor. But it has struggled all year. Its not, in my view, the umpires who for the most part are excellent. It is a very hard game to umpire.
The umpires are facing some challenges namely:
-Too many on the field. The move toward four field umpires will make matters worse as they get hesitant and look to defer decisions.
- frequent rule changes leading to confusion for all. The nominated ruckman example is the most recent.
-a clear directive that infringements not be penalised if the ball spills clear and play on is possible. We see frequent holding the ball, push in the back go unpunished and play on called.
-the use of microphones for TV. It removes some discretion from umpires and I don't think it is helpful. The public does not need to hear this and it puts pressure on.
-the practice of coaching and involvement in melees. Rather than telling players not to do this and that, just report them or award a free kick.
-the outrageous inconsistency where some venues do not have cameras for goal umpire decisions.
The umpires are facing some challenges namely:
-Too many on the field. The move toward four field umpires will make matters worse as they get hesitant and look to defer decisions.
- frequent rule changes leading to confusion for all. The nominated ruckman example is the most recent.
-a clear directive that infringements not be penalised if the ball spills clear and play on is possible. We see frequent holding the ball, push in the back go unpunished and play on called.
-the use of microphones for TV. It removes some discretion from umpires and I don't think it is helpful. The public does not need to hear this and it puts pressure on.
-the practice of coaching and involvement in melees. Rather than telling players not to do this and that, just report them or award a free kick.
-the outrageous inconsistency where some venues do not have cameras for goal umpire decisions.