Quote ="cod'ead"Hmmmmmmmm
I can feel an e-mail to Richard Lewis coming on.
Reverting to part-time officials may be viewed as a retrograde step but until someone can prove that full-time has led to tangible benefits to the game, not just the officials, then it is worthy of consideration, no matter what the consequences.
Stuart Cummings also seems to reside under a cloak of invincibility and this, I believe extends to his fiefdom, something that must change. He used to have an "Ask Stuart" column, something that has also bitten the dust. Paying spectators (through the gate or via Sky subscription), as stakeholders in the game, deserve better communication from the man in charge.
Little seems to have changed since I gave up refereeing Alliance and then five years later, 1st team lines. The path to success as a match official owes more to masonic principles than ability.'"
I'm sorry but as a currently graded and active match official, I feel the need to correct you on a couple of points. There is in fact a very clear pathway for new officials as far as development is concerned. This starts with development officers at a society level and then goes through to the regional development officers which in the case of Yorkshire region is a Hull society member Steve Taylor. The regional development officers then move on those capable of going further to the graded development officers and managers and those that are capable then go on up through the grades as fitness and performance allow. The fact is that some of us acheive our level much lower than we hope or expect and that is something we all have to come to terms with. One thing I do find quite strange is that match officials development comes under operations and NOT under the match officials department which is something I'm sure you knew anyway.
As for the Ask Stuart initiative, I suggest you ask the SL coaches why it was stopped as it was stopped at their request. They didn't like their moans being shown for what they actually are.
I'll also make a point about James Child and the Saints V Hull KR game last year as someone saw fit to mention it. How can you even attempt to blame him for 10 foul play penalties?
James also refereed the HKR v Crusaders game this year with a total of 13 penalties. Strange that for such a pedantic referee don't you think?
Oh and Roy, if I thought you were coming from a point of knowledge or understanding then I'd be worried at your comment but the fact that you made such a comment shows how little you really know. Sorry if that offends.
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