Red cards for refs!

IN a surprise announcement, the World Rugby Referees Association has decided on a trial ‘red cards for refs’ policy, which will see a referee who is having a bad game being replaced by another official at half-time.

The experiment will begin at selected matches from today (Friday) and will continue until the end of the current season, after which it will be re-evaluated.

‘It’s been mooted for some time and it’s quite a logical move,’ said Zululand’s international referee Marius Jonker, who now frequently occupies the TMO box at high ranking matches.

‘After all, a player who is having an off day can be substituted, so why not a referee?

‘They are just as human and fallible as anyone else and have days when their decision-making is lacking – something which can drastically affect the outcome of games, and even of players’ careers.’

Jonker said in the event of what a chosen panel sees as an error-ridden first half on the part of a referee, he would be subjected to a specially designed psychophysical test at half-time ‘similar to the concussion test for players’.

‘If his reaction times are slow or his responses not up to par, the decision may be made to exchange him with one of the other match officials.

‘It is not entirely unprecedented. After all, if a ref had to pull a hamstring he would be substituted.’

Jonker said objectivity would be the key and it would have to be ‘pretty blatant’ for ref substitution to even be considered at half-time.

‘Refereeing decisions and interpretations are always subjective and we would not like fans to say the situation is being manipulated to favour some sides.

‘In addition to the extreme physical demands asked of top class referees, there are also tough mental and even emotional considerations that could affect decision making.’