RateTheRef

Having watched a couple of Rob Jones' games this season in the PL I think (based on what I have seen) he is not performing overly well. Not such much in terms of KMI errors (although he has made a few) more so though in terms of his body language, player management and consistency in sanctions. However - it strikes me that this is most likely due to lack of experience at this level. The PGMOL (along with many on here) felt that he was an excellent referee worthy of promotion to SG1 therefore they must appoint him more frequently.

The dynamic they have created by appointing him so infrequently to the PL is one where he no doubt feels increased pressure to perform while also lacking in match fitness at that level. The combination in my mind is one likely to create a cycle of poorer performances and degrading confidence as time goes on.

I understand that a new referee has to be integrated carefully into the league with the right level of appointments both in terms of frequency and magnitude. I feel since what happened to Stuart Atwell the PGMOL have taken a stance of starting new referees off with the bare minimum of appointments and building them up very very slowly. I think while it is good that they have learned from the mistakes of Atwell being pushed too far too soon, they should also be aware that under appointing can hold pitfalls that can have an equally negative effect on a new official.