Quote Originally Posted by amishpanda View Post
Looking forward - is this expected to improve? Though some could argue that the Volunteers we are getting are actually of better quality.

I would hate to see this years comp. tarnished due to refereeing complaints and errors. The best way to manage the game is for the team captains to have an honest discussion with the referee to 'clarify the rules'. It may seem obvious, but an honest clarification of the handball rule (which part of the arm, accidental?), challenging from behind-shoulder to shoulder, studs, challenging in the air, challenging the keeper and even swearing can take a lot of the inconsistencies out of the game if the results are pre determined. I would trust any team in this comp. to play a fair game of football with the refereeing issues in mind (we do not believe that we are the future of all things great in Novacastrian football [looks at state league thread]).

So if this is the case captains, spend a couple of minutes with the ref before kickoff to set some standards.
The best way to find out about the LAWS would be for clubs to go out and buy the Laws of the Game book and have a good read.The reason you are happy with volunteer referees is that you dont heap as much shit on them and are prepared to put up with more errors from them.Let me know if you dont want association referees and they can be used elsewhere.Each situation differs and there is difficult to deal with hypotheticals.The ideal situation would for the ID association to request a meeting between coaches and referees(as is done in federation)as a group to go through things together.The ball is in your court.Lets see what happens.