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For some time now, there's been a growing school of thought that football would greatly benefit from recruiting soon to be retiring professional players and ex-footballers into refereeing. In fact, some even argue that these ex-pros should be encouraged to take up the whistle by some form of fast-track scheme, in which they can progress to the higher realms of officiating quicker than those who have not played the game at semi or professional level. Is there a case for fast tracking former players, or do the risks outweigh the benefits?
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However, there are also a number of reasons why it would be a bad idea to have such a radical fast-tracking scheme in place. Instead, such new recruits should be required to climb the same pyramid to the top level as officiating as anyone else. Firstly, the role of referee is vastly different from that of a player. As any official knows, there are many things which need to be continually worked on over a very long period of time to result in a person becoming a referee of the highest quality. The pressure faced as a match official is also very different to that faced by a player. There isn't just several of your teammates frustrated by a defensive error that has led to a goal been conceded or failing to convert a promising attack into a goal but rather the prospect of 22 players coupled with officials from both teams putting large amounts of pressure on you throughout the match, trying to influence the decisions you make and possibly even undermining your authority by speaking to you in an degrading manner.
Clearly then, the transition from a top player to a referee is not one that can be made instantly and time to develop the appropriate skills and learning match control is needed. If a fast-track scheme did exist then the situation could arise whereby were you have a former pro who is thrown in at a deep-end with matches they are unable to keep control of, and their decision making is well below the standard of officials progressing through the ranks who have spent years developing their craft. It is not really fair to the competing teams if they have a pool of officials of which some have been properly trained and developed whilst there is some who are simply there who were part of a recruitment drive of ex-players that in many cases are not up to the job. In short, good players do not always make world-class referees and even if they do have the potential, it cannot be an instant transition.
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Furthermore, there is also the fitness issue to be considered. Whilst the careers of Phil Dowd, Chris Foy and Peter Walton all show that it is possible to referee in the top-flight into their 50s and maintain a good level of fitness, they have not been subject to tackle-after-tackle that is bound to take its toll. It would be extremely hard to expect many professional players to be able to maintain the fitness and even mental capacity needed to referee at the top flight and for them to be at the same level of those who have not played at that level. Even if they were able to do this, how long would they last? It is only healthy for the majority our top officials to be able to reach the top of the game and sustain their careers there over several years, those who are retiring from playing may not have the fitness or desire to be able to offer their services for more than a few seasons.
Perhaps the biggest argument in favour of maintaining refereeing progression pathway for all new officials instead of a fast-track scheme for those who have played the game can be formulated by looking at our recent top referees. Michael Oliver had a trial for the Newcastle United Youth Team; Mark Halsey (main picture) also played the game at semi-professional level whilst Jon Moss and Bobby Madley have also played, albeit at a more amateur level. Nevertheless, all are examples that those who have played the game can still progress to the top of the refereeing ranks without the need to be fast-tracked at the expense of other officials, they have instead gone through the same rigorous testing and developed their game over a number of years like everyone else.
One final thought, when Howard Webb announced his retirement from refereeing last-season, Barcelona and Bayern Munich did not come-flooding in to sign him as someone who could win the UEFA Champions League in future years, instead they turned to players who have developed their trade from a very young age and have risen to the top of their game. Refereeing is no different, so whilst there may be some talented people who have played the game who could be good referees, it would not be the best idea for the likes of Steven Gerrard or John Terry to retire and be accelerated through the referee development pathway to take-charge of Premier League matches ahead of those who have spent over a decade developing their officiating and possess the ability to officiate in the top-flight.
What are your thoughts on the topic of fast tracking former players? Post your comments below!