We need respect for refs and good sportsmanship

IT’S GOOD to read that ‘Fearless’ Fred Howard has weighed into the dissent row given that referees all have microphones and we can all hear comments made during a game.

Some referees have chosen to use this fact as a way of boosting their public profile to become ‘stars’ of the game while others are intimidated by it, but for the best referees it’s a godsend.

What it has shown is how much players now question any and all decisions made and try to influence the actions of the referee and how little the core values of respect and sportsmanship now count for players in the modern game.

I am not saying in any way that we were saints when I played but we knew not to question a referee’s decision with words otherwise it was a swift march back ten yards and the warning another ten would follow if you said another word.

Perhaps the odd look of astonishment and the shake of the head, but certainly not the berating that now greets every tackle, challenge in the air, or score, as a ref is pleaded with to check the TMO.

Although there is a place for technology, a referee must be allowed to make decisions without being questioned all the time.

A TMO has the advantage and disadvantage of multiple angles and slow motion, as it can sometimes make things look far worse than in real time.

Yes, the ref will make mistakes, we all do, and it is out of respect that we shouldn’t continually question him, and show sportsmanship by accepting his decisions.