THE FOOTBALL REFEREE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7687, 23 April 1903, Page 3

THE FOOTBALL REFEREE.

SOME OF HIS TROUBLES. (Strand JSTngaztnr.) T-he troubles of football referees are fruitful in joke, thougih the hard-working referee would be the last man in the world to see any fun in it.

The time is said to be past when referees can be bought and sold, but there have bean occasions when important decisions have been open to severe examination' and criticism. The time has also passed when a captain can threaten a referee with murder should his side be declared a loser, but if euch threat ever be made again the referee's course of action is certain.

Declare a draw and everyone is satisfied. Ten to ano the game will be played over agairi, mdre bets will be made, moregingerbeev, milk, and other liquid consumed, und more money drop t into the coffers of the competing teams. 'It is really a very great game. ,

The referee occasionally swallows the whistle, and thereby impedes the game and his own digestion, but triiles such as these should never count. Let the referee not forget that the credit d England and Scotland is, perhaps, at stake, and that uncertainty in his decision may bring down upon his head the condemnation of a multitude of Scots' who know, with surprising aptness, how to let their wrath go forth with intensity of effect. On behalf of the referee, be it said, he rarely has full justice done him. It is sometimes forgotten that he holds the most difficult position in the game, that his responsibilities are great, and Slat the reward of 'his diligence is usually complaint.

The ideal referee should be a man with thin legs, seven-leagued" boots, a cast-iron constitution, eyes on all sides of his head, and some knowledge ,-of the manly art, wherewith to defend his honest convictions against .scurrilous attack. ±£c should be bigger than any player in either of the opposing) teams, and should always be where he ought to be and not where he usually is. One writer has said, "He must expect all kicks and. no halfpence, and ibe content to be almost always blamed and but seldom praised." In other words, he should be a paragon of righteousness and propriety.