RateTheRef

Now we are coming up to the World Cup break, I thought it best to look at the best performers at the top three levels.

Select Group 1 - My top performers so far, in no particular order are:-
Simon Hooper
Tony Harrington
Jarred Gillett
Michael Oliver
John Brooks
Anthony Taylor

All having solid seasons and have to be in line to be involved in the latter stages of the two main cups and the Play Offs. Of course Oliver and Taylor we will see at the World Cup and we wish them every success.

Select Group 2 - Darren Bond
Josh Smith
Bobby Madley
James Bell

Bond has done a few local derbies and top ranked Championship clashes this term and is included. Josh Smith just missed out this year but may be given a trial game in the Premier League before too long.

Bobby Madley has had a return match and may be given a few more chances when the top flight returns. James Bell is an outside bet for promotion.

Leagues 1/2 - Samuel Barrott
Bobby Madden
Ben Toner

Barrott and Toner doing Championship matches is an indication of where they stand on the pecking order. Haven’t seen much of Toner but Barrott is a very promising referee on the two TV matches I’ve seen.

Bobby Madden after a controversial first game has continued along very quietly and these three have to be in the shake up to get fully promoted to SG2 next season.

Any thoughts from our erstwhile colleagues?

Despite maybe not being as good as previous seasons, Michael Oliver is a clear number 1 for me, followed by Hooper, Harrington, Taylor and Madley. Gillett for me has been very hit and miss. Harrington has been quite good as well.

Can I ask how many games you've seen James Bell referee to put him in there?

I believe it is important, before rushing to judgement about a particular referee's suitability for a particular level,  to give them time to establish themselves at that level. An absolute minimum of two years I would say. We live in an "instant" world where judgements tend to be made instantly. A couple of poor matches does not necessarily indicate a poor referee.

I remember when Simon Hooper was elevated to SG1 there were many who said he wasn't up to it on the basis that he took a fair while to settle in at this higher level and produce very good performances, which he is now doing. It's the same in most professions. I remember when I started taking on much more complex work it was a good three years before I felt I was turning out the best performance of which I was capable. Some people do get over promoted in which case they should return to the level at which they excelled. However time is required to be sure of the appropriate level.

Quote from: TVOS on Fri 11 Nov 2022 12:46

Quote from: ajb95 on Fri 11 Nov 2022 08:49

Despite maybe not being as good as previous seasons, Michael Oliver is a clear number 1 for me, followed by Hooper, Harrington, Taylor and Madley. Gillett for me has been very hit and miss. Harrington has been quite good as well.

Can I ask how many games you've seen James Bell referee to put him in there?

Haven’t mentioned Bell..?

Sorry, I was meaning to reply to the opening post.