Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
'Have the balls to make some calls': Ian Smith urges referees to reject interventions
Ian Smith • April 23rd, 2025 3:32 pm
Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
It's a bit of an old chestnut of mine, but it's time I think: dump the ARs and bring back the touch judges.
Or in its long-form - dump the assistant referees with their new powers of intervention and bring back those who put their flags up on the correct spot when the ball goes out of play, and again if the ball goes between the post and over the crossbar when the placekickers are in action. They were great.
What percentage of calls in rugby are made by the actual on-field whistle-blowing referee these days and how often are they guided by their supposedly able deputies?
What chance does the game have to flow with so many people wanting to find a reason to stop it?
Don't believe me? Sit down and watch two or three games of Super Rugby in their entirety in a row. If you see them all flow, you deserve to buy yourself something nice for your next birthday.
Watch the ARs closely. As soon as they touch their chest, the ref's arm will invariably go out for an advantage, and after an elongated period of play, the game will eventually stop. You know it, I know it - it's power crazy stuff.
Fact is the modern on-field ref has had so much assistance in the last few years, and it's ever increasing, to the point that they've lost all confidence in their own ability to run a game solo and properly.
It's not just rugby union either, league has it bad, and cricket? Well, don't get me started because it's a summer debate, but umpires seemingly no longer call no balls, have absolutely no concern about getting other decisions right, except for their own personal pride in getting a high proportion correct, and in doing so, confirm their status in the ranks.
They've got insurance policies: the TMOs, the third umpires.
Yet human judgement and nature is fast disappearing, out of officiating in sport and that reflects the playing aspect as well.
Assistant referees, please stay out of it, stay off the field of play. Isn't that galling? The sight of three of them all lined up looking at the big screen and comparing notes like some high-profiled jury.
ARs, your constant intervention is not making the game better, stronger or more appealing. Take a good long look in the mirror.
Ref of the day, have the balls to make some calls. Back yourself, have some faith, please.
Eventually, the game and you will be better for it.
