REFEREES BACK NEW MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

National League referees have given powerful endorsement to the raft of referee management changes introduced during the 2004 season.

In response to a questionnaire circulated by the refereeing sub-committee, there was 86.7% overall approval for the new system, a 3:1 positive response. Of ten changes, the only element opposed by referees was the publication of their gradings at the end of the year – although they were happy to be marked independently by delegates.

The referees’ sub-committee consists of Stephen Baker (Chair, Past League Chairman), Chris Ducker (League Secretary) and Jim Dalley (Referees’ Co-ordinator). There were also key contributions to the changes prior to implementation from David Bathurst, Roger Hargreaves, David Boot and Tadek Detko.

Delegates during the season were David Bathurst, Roger Hargreaves, Ross Elder and Stephen Baker. 

League chairman Steve Monico said: “The league made huge strides during 2004 in terms of raising standards of presentation and organisation and we have every intention of continuing to strive for improved performance and efficiency in 2005. Introduction of the delegate system was vital in helping to achieve greater consistency of application of rules – the sooner we extend this to Divisions Two and Three, the better.”

The research was carried out under professional market research conditions, with the questionnaire pre-tested for bias. Results included:

Overall reaction: 86.7% in favour, an even better result than at first glance as some respondents were unable to answer due to lack of prior experience.

Delegate System: An 81.7% approval rating, the next highest rating. A spread through the league strongly favoured.

Referee appointment: 76.7% approval rating, clearly showing that respondents believe the appointment system is better and fairer.

Referee Assessment: 73.3%. Referees agree that assessment by delegates is a definite improvement.

Transparency: 71.2%.  Respondents believe the appointment system is considerably more transparent than before and that reasons for appointments are understood.

FINA rules: 71.9% approval. On the face of it, a contentious question with the issue of application of LEN or FINA instructions.  However, there was strong approval.

Balance of matches: 71.7%, again a strong approval rating.

Feedback: 71.4% approval, also strong.

Pre-competition meetings: The 78.6% response is extremely strong, but there was criticism of clubs who were poor at attendance.

Referee hospitality: A 67.2% positive response. Shows that referee hospitality has been considered well handled for a time but that this year saw an improvement.

Referee teamwork: At 67.3%, the second lowest but in itself a positive response.  The League believed that greater teamwork would be the basis for improved consistency.

Assessment impact on the following year: Do referees accept that performance in one season should determine appointments for the following year? Out of 18 responses, 11 said yes.

Games per day: The majority believe referees should be responsible for four matches per weekend and two a day, although a groundswell believed this number could be one higher each day. A specific response to this question is difficult as there are so many variables.  However, anywhere between two/three on Saturday with two on Sunday seemed to be the conclusion.

Communications: Overwhelming support for both a conference and an event including clubs - a 16/2 and 17/1 result respectively.

Frequency: Research pointed clearly to two to four communiqués a year, a job to be taken up immediately to ensure full knowledge of changes and moves within the NWPL.

Shirts: Strong approval of the NWPL requesting referees to wear League shirts.