Abuse of Referees is an embarrassment to our Association - Floyd

The abuse of GAA officials is quickly becoming normalised and needs to be nipped in the bud quickly according to Tipperary County Board secretary Tim Floyd.

The Newport clubman presents his twelfth report to County Convention in Thurles next Monday night and among a number of issues he is highlighting in the growing level of abuse to referees, linesmen and fourth officials and says this is making it more difficult for men/women to take up the whistle and help complete the games schedule going forward.

“Do we in the GAA accept abuse of referees as normal behaviour? No alone it is part and parcel of our club games but we watch it on national TV and sometimes regard it as being entertaining.”

He added: “It is amazing that anyone would sign up to be a GAA referee under these circumstances. We should be extremely thankful to those who and for their bravery and commitment and we should praise and encourage them all we can. There is a massive mindset change required in the GAA and it must come from the top down.”

 

Parish Rule

Also in the report, Floyd defends the parish rule when it comes to determining where club a player can play for and said it must be protected to ensure the amateur ethos of the Association remains the same.

Likely responding to a motion submitted from Moyne-Templetuohy to convention, who are looking for a committee to be established to examine if parish rule, as currently constituted, is fit for purpose.

“The identity of the parish is becoming less relevant in parts of Ireland and when the question of borders and boundaries arises, as club is looked on as being small minded and parochial,” Floyd admitted.

 

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