Speedway Referee Numbers In Decline

[MrBeanti]

It does make me wonder why people choose to become speedway referees.. as well as not being appreciated by a number of fans its like the SCB don't appreciate them either if they are barely covering their costs. I'm guessing theres not a queue of people waiting to step into the box?

[martinmauger]

Thought about becoming a speedway ref once but can't guarrantee sparing the time and defo couldn't cope with the mountain of paperwork, not to mention the potential hassle. No ref is perfect though all are just 'ordinary human beings'. Well most are . I'd easily describe the role as 'a thankless task', the best I imagine a ref could feel would be satisfaction for doing their job to the best of their ability....

Edited December 4, 2016 by Martin Mauger

[Gambo]

Eleven applicants for Referee training being interviewed this week by Neil Vatcher.

[Ghosty]

Something for all refs to look forward to in 2017:

 

Sit in their box overseeing a Redcar Bears meeting featuring: Garrity, Hall, Wright & Barker! It will be fireworks every meeting.

[barncooseboy]

Have to defend Frank Ebdon, he was always consistent, move at the tapes and you were out. I remember warning Matej Zagar of this the first time they met, after Matej was excluded he came back to the pits with a big ear to ear grin, I should have listened no tantrums no complaints Frank was one of the nicest people I met in speedway.

 

I believe he might still hold the record for a rain threatened meeting 52 minutes

 

Bryn makes a good point, Refs aare considered by 'The Authorities' to have full responsibility for the conduct of a meeting and can be called before the court system to justify their actions, its a difficult job, without them there couldn't be any speedway

[Tsunami]

Have to defend Frank Ebdon, he was always consistent, move at the tapes and you were out. I remember warning Matej Zagar of this the first time they met, after Matej was excluded he came back to the pits with a big ear to ear grin, I should have listened no tantrums no complaints Frank was one of the nicest people I met in speedway.

 

I believe he might still hold the record for a rain threatened meeting 52 minutes

 

Bryn makes a good point, Refs aare considered by 'The Authorities' to have full responsibility for the conduct of a meeting and can be called before the court system to justify their actions, its a difficult job, without them there couldn't be any speedway

It is more than 'considered', it is a legal status that the ref is in charge of a meeting.

[steve roberts]

Yes, Frank was consistent and you never stood about twiddling your thumbs waiting for the next race. Also, he took no nonsense from riders.

However he got it massively wrong when allowing Sam Ermolenko to take part in a re-run of a race during the 1993 World Final when Sam's chained snapped causing Billy Hamill to crash. Sam was worthy of being a World Champion based on his consistency over many seasons both domestically and internationally but he shouldn't have been crowned champion on that occasion.

[R87]

Have to defend Frank Ebdon, he was always consistent, move at the tapes and you were out. I remember warning Matej Zagar of this the first time they met, after Matej was excluded he came back to the pits with a big ear to ear grin, I should have listened no tantrums no complaints Frank was one of the nicest people I met in speedway.

 

I believe he might still hold the record for a rain threatened meeting 52 minutes

 

Bryn makes a good point, Refs aare considered by 'The Authorities' to have full responsibility for the conduct of a meeting and can be called before the court system to justify their actions, its a difficult job, without them there couldn't be any speedway

Frank Ebdon may not have been everyone's cup of tea, but at least he knew how to keep a meeting moving.

[Catalan]

I will defend Frank Endon to the hilt. Although I did get an electric shock due to him. I was repairing the lights after an accident when he decided 2 minutes needed to go on. He just forgot I was hanging onto wires at the time. Very apologetic though. Terrific guy.

[Guest]

And people wonder why referee's are stepping down! It's a really hard job and in my opinion referee's need more help, more support and more respect.

 

If you think referee's get it wrong is bad. Watch Sky and see some of the rubbish some of the managers come out with when their riders are excluded (I am mainly thinking about the managers of two west midlands clubs here). One of those is an ex international rider too!

 

 

Should they or do the scb encourage ex riders into refereeing. Surely they are best qualified to see it from a riders point of view?

 

Having former riders become referees is a logical idea. Could it actually be implemented and ex-riders interested ninth job. An example is that it is from time-to-time suggested that former players would make good referees but none seem to ever e attracted to the role. However, comments in regard to something for speedway would be interesting to read in this thread.

[KIRKYLANE]

Some referees were complaining they were not getting enough meetings in

 

A slight decline will help cheer them up.

 

More concerning is a demise in the number of NEW referees !!!!

[tyretrax]

The problem with retired riders becoming refs is that some may hold a grudge against current riders.

[steve roberts]

I seem to recall that one of the more 'officious' refs was/is one time Mildenhalll rider Mick Bates who has on occasions antagonised a situation with his 'interpretation' of the rules.

Edited December 30, 2016 by steve roberts