Match Officials need to be rated on their performances

Some of you may remember the previous posts I have written, here and here, about the lack of consistency in the International Citing and Judicial processes respectively. Well, it would seem that the unfair suspension of Bakkies Bothahas forced the IRB’s hand in getting them to finally take notice of our pleads to put together some kind of system to standardise the disciplinary process. whatever it is, something must be done quickly, to rectify this process, before it causes irreversible damage to the game of rugby.

Like professional sportsman all over the world are accountable for their individual performances, so too should referees at top levels be. They are professionals, and any professional around the world is responsible for performance in their given tasks. We have experienced too many incidents of late where referees, TMO’s or touch judges make the wrong calls, overlook certain aspects, or just seem to have a general lack of knowledge of the game of rugby. Referee’s should follow a clear rating system, these ratings should also be freely published, along with performance ratings. The IRB should not wrap their referees in cotton wool and protect them from any criticism. With such protection they have no reason to ever improve their performances.

The same could be said for the Citing Commissioner, as well as the Judiciary Panel. These “professionals” are paid for their services, and should deliver upon what is expected from them. Perhaps one International Citing Commissioner should be appointed. That way the citing process will atleast be standardised. Andre Watson would be a good choice.

I’m not 100% sure what the best medicine would be to fix the current problems facing this process. All I know is that something has to be done. We can’t keep having so many serious incident overlooked, whilst so many minor ones are punished.

What are your thoughts? Does anyone have a good idea to rectify this problem?