Tipperary GAA Convention: Referee abuse is unacceptable says departing Secretary Tim Floyd

The departing Secretary of the County Tipperary GAA Board, Tim Floyd has, in his final annual report to Convention, touted a zero-tolerance attitude towards abuse of referees, following a number of high profile incidents in the last twelve months.

The Newport man who steps away from the role after sixteen years, having taken over from Tomás Ó Baróid in 2007, previously worked as County Board Draw Co-Ordinator for nineteen years between 1987 and 2006 and brought a wealth of knowledge to the boardroom, having encourntered every single entitity of the Association in the county and indeed, further afield.

His role will be taken over by Loughmore Castleiney man Murtagh Brennan, but he will not be in attendance at Convention in the Dome on Sunday afternoon, we understand.

Refereeing is an issue which has often been the topic of discussion in such reports and the outgoing Secretary does not hold back in his comments.

He writes: “Whilst we constantly send out alarm signals about the shortage of referees, I am always impressed with the commitment of those we have as they are endlessly covering matches around the clock. Some are on the road most evenings of the week during the summer months whilst others make themselves available when the call from Tom Maher comes to cover school matches during weekdays.

“That is why I hang my head in shame when I listen to the abuse, I hear from sidelines, stands, banks and even players on the field. When players and mentors make mistakes, they get away lightly in comparison to the abuse levelled at match officials. We have twelve clubs in Tipperary who provide no referee currently and these clubs are not helping the situation.
“On big match days our referees pull out all the stops to have well-presented umpires and linesmen which really add to the occasion. Every effort is being made to raise the standards and all our match officials are keen to upskill and avail of the toolkits and resources provided.

“During the year we have experienced unacceptable behavior towards our match officials, and this can no longer be tolerated. It’s time for zero tolerance similar to what we see in rugby where the authority of the referee is never questioned.
“Sideline mentors need to be immediately silenced by referees and removed where necessary. Players when they make mistakes themselves and play poorly they are taken off by the mentors.

“Regarding supporters hurling abuse, we all need to take a stand and ask them to cease which is not always the popular thing to do. It’s time for a major sea change in all our attitudes to match officials and treat them with the respect they deserve. Give respect: Get respect,” he says.

Reflecting on games during the year, the Secretary gives pride of place to the Tipperary minor hurlers.

Tipp celebrated a dramatic victory to claim our 21st All Ireland Minor Hurling title. Captain Sam O Farrell lifted the Irish Press Cup in Nowlan Park and brought it across the border through Fennor Hill in customary fashion, before being officially welcomed at the traditional homecoming on the steps of Thurles Cathedral.

“ This Minor team of 2022 will be remembered for their character and courage in the jaws of defeat in the Munster Final draw plus the penalty shoot-out v Clare, the injury time winning scores v Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final and that last gasp goal to win the All Ireland. Full credit to a top-class management team who never lost faith,” he says.