Too Many Games?

[usatowin]

Just figured I'd start a string of final referee analysis, based on overall trends/facts and not the partisan rantings that have taken over the match threads.

First up, were refs given too many games this WC? Think the guys that did get a bunch, not the ones that screwed up their first game. And also a factor, were the training sessions too much?

[misltek]

I think that FIFA can afford to bring in more referees to allow more exposure at the world stage. Also, I think that FIFA should whittle the numbers as they do...yet maintain an alternate crew in the case of an apparent conflict of interest (if a country knocked out another, no referee should come from either).

The competition last a month. For those level games, my best guess is 4 games is enough.

[refontherun]

I think that FIFA can afford to bring in more referees to allow more exposure at the world stage. Also, I think that FIFA should whittle the numbers as they do...yet maintain an alternate crew in the case of an apparent conflict of interest (if a country knocked out another, no referee should come from either).

The competition last a month. For those level games, my best guess is 4 games is enough.

I think that Elizondo did a great job in all of the games which he took part and deserved the final, even though I think that he may have had too many matches throughout the competition. Same with the Mexican Arracundia who I thought did a great job as well.

The only odd man out in the whole cup was Larrionda (URG). He did the first round match between ITA v USA that everyone said was a travesty (Mastroeni the send-off for the two footed sliding tackle that took out the Italian's legs was justified, but Pope's second yellow could have been a warning). I don't remember him doing another match until the FRA v POR semi-final. Does that seem odd to anyone else?

[MassachusettsRef]

Larrionda did Togo/France. Being off 2 rounds before the semifinal isn't odd at all, either.

[usatowin]

Can we leave out specific games please, especially the controversial ones that will attract the trolls and USA fans?

During their seasons these guys do at most one game per week. More often with off weeks or 4th assignments. The national associations are very strict about them not doing more so they stay fresh. Granted it's a tournament situation so there will be more games, but that could be fixed with more numbers for round one. I really think one in 7 days is enough, 5-6 is pushing it, less shouldn't be acceptable. Mentally, it takes a day or two to get over the last game and several more to prepare for the next, not to mention the physical need to have off days and the usual rest/recovery/preparation cycle.

I'd be interested to see, in several games the refs were blasted for not having studied enough. What were their schedules before the game?

[Figo Rules]

Larrionda did Togo/France. Being off 2 rounds before the semifinal isn't odd at all, either.


That's how FIFA gets the results they want.

If Larrionda was good enough to ref a SF, then why was he shut out for the Rd of 16 and QF's? Same thing with Toru in the 3rd place game. He was held out much longer then Larrionda.