Quote: Bal "So a TJ spots something and doesn't report it because a ref has told them to stay out of a game?
Quite possibly one of the most bizarre claims I think I've ever heard regarding RL.
I agree with the orginal poster. We are bashing the standards of reffing, but the touch judges need to get far better as well in my opinion. Some of them seem to be soley about policing if somebodys foot is in touch or not.'"
Whether you think it bizarre is totally immaterial. I'm telling you that this is what happens. I've personally received instructions that have ranged between: "whatever you see, come on and I'll back you up" to "we're on telly today, so all I want you to do is mark touch and flag goals".
Don't believe me? Try using "Ask the ref" and see what they say.
I don't agree with using Grade 1 refs as Touchies, they are two completely different jobs and require completely different approaches. Far better to use a pool of dedicated TJs.
I also think Refs and TJs should be permanently teamed, we'd soon see if any patterns were developing then.
