Hanging Judge: Being a ref has its ups and downs

During this time of no football whatsoever, I thought you might like to hear some of my thoughts on refereeing and why someone would want to be a referee.

It’s not an easy “job”. I put job in inverted commas because, for many, it’s not a job – it’s a pastime. I must now clarify, before the “auto-correctors” among you start writing to my editor that we have professional, salaried referees around the world these days.

The referees in the English Premier League are now full-time employees of the English Football Association (better known as the FA). Assistant refs still receive a match fee, as far as I’m aware.

To many, as I mentioned, it is a pastime and to some, also, it is a form of income on which they depend to survive. When I was in South Africa, I heard of many situations where this was the case.

That being so, is it any wonder, then, that these unfortunate unemployed people are susceptible to bribery and corruption? I’m not condoning it, but I can understand it.

There are some unscrupulous team owners and even coaches out there who are prepared to indulge in this dishonest, underhanded activity that brings shame on all match officials. We are all tarred with the same brush, unfortunately.

It’s happened in many countries and, although it appears as if it’s the less well-off who are accused of involvement, it’s prevalent among some who are well taken care of when it comes to remuneration for their day jobs.

Assaults on refs

This is something that is having devastating effects. I’ve seen video footage of referees being assaulted on the field of play, being chased by angry players and officials, and, quite recently, a referee being pursued on the field by someone in a motor vehicle.

This is disgraceful behaviour and should be condemned by one and all.

Whatever the reason for such behaviour, nothing can excuse this. It is tantamount to attempted murder and, were it not for the grace of God, this referee could have been seriously injured or even killed.

Where was the security? Where were the police? It seemed they were not in attendance. They were certainly conspicuous by their absence – and this has to change.

I’m sure the perpetrator of this incident has his reasons, if there can be any. I hope he was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

There is tremendous satisfaction when a referee comes off a field knowing that he has done his job to the best of his ability, and players from both teams want to shake his hand regardless of the result.

I remember being brought in as a late substitute for a quarterfinal of the Mainstay Cup at Vaal Reefs involving then Leeds United and Bloemfontein Celtic. The late Petrus Molemela came to me after the game and congratulated me even though his team had lost 4-3 on penalties.

He was quoted in the Sowetan (November 5 1987) as saying: “In all my years in football, I’ve never seen a referee handle any match as fairly as Sweeney does.

“The man knows his job – and does it to the satisfaction of all. I was particularly impressed with his handling of our game against Leeds. Although in the end we lost, we could hardly complain about him, as is normally the case after a match.

“We lost because it was not our day. Sweeney certainly deserves great recognition for his contribution to the improvement of refereeing.”

I’m not one to blow my own trumpet, but compliments like this are rare and most welcome.

Stay safe, stay well and keep your distance during this pandemic.

Please feel free to make comments or ask questions.

Happy whistling!

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