Comments for Reluctant refs improve statistics at http://www.wsc.co.uk , comment 0 to 3 out of 3 comments http://www.wsc.co.uk Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:08:50 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4498/38/#pc_1437 Refereeing is not just about handing out cards. In what you interpret as unnecessary conversations, referees are often having meaningful discussions with players, e.g. calming them down when they are riled up, letting them know that they saw a previous foul but played the advantage, etc. Yes, the body language can be a bit exaggerated at times but the usefulness of a short chat with an out of control player can do a lot of good -- and even prevent the need to use cards later on in the game. - davidkeyes Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:51:10 +0100 http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4498/38/#pc_1436 You should see the refs in the Australian A-League, they are so adverse to giving cards out that you'd think the things were coated in a deadly poison! Even outright thuggery that would get a red in any European league is acceptable here, especially if the perpetrator is Kevin Muscat. - madmickyf Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:08:16 +0100 http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4498/38/#pc_1435 "Players are less likely to disrespect a referee if he lets them away with a bit of dangerous play or persistent fouling." I really don't think that's true. Players lose respect for refs if they don't think they are in control of the match. Maybe the player who isn't booked for a reckless tackle might be slightly better disposed towards the ref, but the opposition are unlikely to. - Etienne Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:03:29 +0100