Ray Chamberlin is a ******* ****** who agrees?

[Matimbo]

Did anyone watch the game on Ch 7? At one point Roos started to criticise Chamberlain and was saying something like "it seems like he needs to explain his decisions to the players far more than other umpires". The other commentator cut him off quick smart and said "I think he's a magnificent umpire". The level of discomfort in the commentary box was obvious.

On a more general note, I'm a Sydney-sider from birth and grew up following rugby league. I came across to AFL and the Swans in the last 15 years but continue to also follow league. What I have noticed in this time is that league refereeing has improved enormously, including the introduction of video decisions, whereas AFL has stood still since they went to 3 umpires a long time ago. The only other major sport I know of that has worse refereeing/umpiring than AFL is soccer, which I can't bring myself to watch for this reason. If Dimitiriou is serious about capturing the hearts and minds of western Sydney league die-hards, something will have to change. I can't imagine these fans putting up with biased grandstanding like we witnessed yesterday. For those as old as me, Chamberlain reminds me of ego-driven league referees like Greg Hartley who were driven out of the game long ago.

[Sauce]

Did anyone watch the game on Ch 7? At one point Roos started to criticise Chamberlain and was saying something like "it seems like he needs to explain his decisions to the players far more than other umpires". The other commentator cut him off quick smart and said "I think he's a magnificent umpire". The level of discomfort in the commentary box was obvious.

As i mentioned earlier - the afl sent out a directive to all media regarding their critiques of umps. Hence why Roosy was cut off. Obviously Roosy doesnt suffer fools and is his own person and ignored the directive..or it was sent whilst he was sking with tammi and the boys and no one at FOX briefed him when he came back. But it was sent and written in a stern way..much like a person with absolute power tries to dictate events in the real world. The AFL is on such a huge massive power trip atm.

On a more general note, I'm a Sydney-sider from birth and grew up following rugby league. I came across to AFL and the Swans in the last 15 years but continue to also follow league. What I have noticed in this time is that league refereeing has improved enormously, including the introduction of video decisions, whereas AFL has stood still since they went to 3 umpires a long time ago. The only other major sport I know of that has worse refereeing/umpiring than AFL is soccer, which I can't bring myself to watch for this reason. If Dimitiriou is serious about capturing the hearts and minds of western Sydney league die-hards, something will have to change. I can't imagine these fans putting up with biased grandstanding like we witnessed yesterday. For those as old as me, Chamberlain reminds me of ego-driven league referees like Greg Hartley who were driven out of the game long ago.

I totoally agree in regards to League. I used to watch a LOT of league back in the 80s and early 90s and still remember the days of one Greg "Hollywood" Hartley. One of the main reasons why I stopped watching. I recently watched a game of NRL and the refereeing was really good. They have cleaned up a lot of grey areas to the point it makes watching league bearable again. In contrast the AFL have had issues with umpires for a gazillion years now. To think umps in AFL are still amateur baffles me.

I am in the same position i was with RL with the AFL. Too much off field crap, a power hungry AFL lead by a megalomaniac who has surrounded himself with yes men have contributed to my increasing angst and dislike of the code which i once fell in love with.

[Triple B]

Fair dinkum Sauce, that deleted post was pretty ordinary, even by your low standards.

[Triple B]

..... For those as old as me, Chamberlain reminds me of ego-driven league referees like Greg Hartley who were driven out of the game long ago.

Not surprisingly, Hartley was also vertically challenged. It explains so much...

[SPC]

Did anyone watch the game on Ch 7? At one point Roos started to criticise Chamberlain and was saying something like "it seems like he needs to explain his decisions to the players far more than other umpires". The other commentator cut him off quick smart and said "I think he's a magnificent umpire". The level of discomfort in the commentary box was obvious.

On a more general note, I'm a Sydney-sider from birth and grew up following rugby league. I came across to AFL and the Swans in the last 15 years but continue to also follow league. What I have noticed in this time is that league refereeing has improved enormously, including the introduction of video decisions, whereas AFL has stood still since they went to 3 umpires a long time ago. The only other major sport I know of that has worse refereeing/umpiring than AFL is soccer, which I can't bring myself to watch for this reason. If Dimitiriou is serious about capturing the hearts and minds of western Sydney league die-hards, something will have to change. I can't imagine these fans putting up with biased grandstanding like we witnessed yesterday. For those as old as me, Chamberlain reminds me of ego-driven league referees like Greg Hartley who were driven out of the game long ago.

Yep, it was BT that headed off any discussion about the decisions (that put the umpires in a negative light) and then went on for the rest of the call to praise Chamberlain for his ability to take the players on. Its like we had Geishan & Anderson in the box doing the head office spin and try to stop Roos commenting on the umpire??

The other big difference between AFL & NRL is that the NRL media will rip referees, NRL officials & clubs apart, whereas the mainly Melbourne based media for AFL seem to be more of a fan club and rarely seem to take anyone from AFL house on, especially the umpires. Not sure if Demetriou keeps them on a short lease somehow or if they are just gutless?

[CJK]

Sauce
Suspended by the MRP

Does this mean what I hope it means?

So something good did come out of yesterday's debacle.

[top40]

Yep, it was BT that headed off any discussion about the decisions (that put the umpires in a negative light) and then went on for the rest of the call to praise Chamberlain for his ability to take the players on. Its like we had Geishan & Anderson in the box doing the head office spin and try to stop Roos commenting on the umpire??

The other big difference between AFL & NRL is that the NRL media will rip referees, NRL officials & clubs apart, whereas the mainly Melbourne based media for AFL seem to be more of a fan club and rarely seem to take anyone from AFL house on, especially the umpires. Not sure if Demetriou keeps them on a short lease somehow or if they are just gutless?

It is this type of censorship that really worries me, and why I was so much on the front foot about it in the context of this thread. I accept that players, coaches, club officials have to be quiet. I also accept with some reservations, fines being allocated for such commentary.

I can't however abide by the concept of the media/press and us-the general public via this website, being censored. It represents too much power and is an afront to 'reasonable', (in case I am told to go to Hyde Park again), freedom of speech, in what is supposed to be a democratic, free society.

[Mountain Man]

I want to add my thanks to the site moderators, and those that keep it going through their postings.

I think this is a fantastic site for gaining insights into the Swans, their players, and getting an appreciation of AFL generally.

In relation to this thread, I haven't learnt much - I think I already knew we played badly, only lost by 11 points, and we had more frees 'against' than 'for'.

Surely other topics can be more informative and interesting.

Thanks again to the site administrators for all their effort and good work.

[Untamed Snark]

I want to add my thanks to the site moderators, and those that keep it going through their postings.

I think this is a fantastic site for gaining insights into the Swans, their players, and getting an appreciation of AFL generally.In relation to this thread, I haven't learnt much - I think I already knew we played badly, only lost by 11 points, and we had more frees 'against' than 'for'.

Surely other topics can be more informative and interesting.

Thanks again to the site administrators for all their effort and good work.

This.
And a quite sorry if we cause too much trouble-please don't send us to our rooms

[ScottH]

I want to add my thanks to the site moderators, and those that keep it going through their postings.

I think this is a fantastic site for gaining insights into the Swans, their players, and getting an appreciation of AFL generally.

In relation to this thread, I haven't learnt much - I think I already knew we played badly, only lost by 11 points, and we had more frees 'against' than 'for'.

Surely other topics can be more informative and interesting.

Thanks again to the site administrators for all their effort and good work.

Thank you, MM.
It's nice to get positive feedback occasionally!!

PS: Untamed snark, go to your room and don't come out. Until 2pm Saturday!! (Thanks)

[top40]

Thank you, MM.
It's nice to get positive feedback occasionally!!

PS: Untamed snark, go to your room and don't come out. Until 2pm Saturday!! (Thanks)

I also wish to extend my thanks to the administrators. I know you guys not only do your best, but you to a great job. I am just a little touchy about the issue of possible censorship from a powerful organisation like the AFL.

[Wardy]

OH THANK GOD. He's not gay.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/razor-ray-an-afl-cult-figure/story-e6frf9jf-1111116616210

His fiancee Monique, whom he will marry in October, no longer goes to any of his games because she can't cope with the abuse dished out to the umpires, particularly her man.

On the other hand, he's dating someone named Monique. MORE REASON TO HATE (apologies if any RWOers' real names are 'Monique").

And her brothers are Rugby leagues Monahans (I think they are still running around in the NRL somewhere) Virtically challenged Ray was obviously too short for the chair when he went for his eye examination at OPSM!

[erica]

From the Swans on FaceBook:
"A lot of passionate debate about the umpiring yesterday Swans fans, and we can tell you that coach John Longmire this morning emailed AFL umpires boss Jeff Gieschen with a list of queries about a number of decisions that led to Fremantle goals. We understand the AFL is likely to say something publicly in response tomorrow so keep your ears out!"

[ugg]

I can pre empt the Giesch's response now

They were all correct

[Wardy]

Thank you, MM.
It's nice to get positive feedback occasionally!!

PS: Untamed snark, go to your room and don't come out. Until 2pm Saturday!! (Thanks)

Scott & Frog are very patient with us so thanks for a top job boys - and peeps I'd rather Frog & Scott so letsBe thankful that a certain tall boring Greens politician isn't a mod - we wouldn't be able to say anything!!!