Complain to the FA...

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I received the exact same reply. Even though it is a generic template, it's amazing to me that they even took the time to respond to us. I work for Major League Baseball here in the U.S. and they would NEVER take the time to acknowledge a complaint. Especially about an umpire.
 
I got no reply from the FA, but did get this from the premier league: lots of words that add up to [Poor language removed] all.

"Dear Darren,

Thank you for your email.

As you may be aware we receive numerous queries referring to individual referee's decisions and indeed in relation to their overall performance. We are not able to comment on specific incidents such as those you raise, partly because it is only the referee who can answer questions about particular decisions and also because of the high level of correspondence we receive. We understand that it can be perplexing when there appear to be inconsistencies amongst the officials' decisions. Each official will have his own interpretation of an incident of course, and no two incidents are ever identical. Even where fouls look similar, the speed of the players may be different, and the referee may be in a different position with a very different viewing angle. However Professional Game Match Officials, (PGMO) the body which employs all the referees, works hard to try and ensure a consistent approach where possible.

We report back regularly to Professional Games Match Officials, the body which employs all the referees, to ensure that they are fully aware of all the feedback we receive. The performances of the Select Group Referees are reviewed with each referee in detail in a number of different ways, with a view to improving their performance from week to week. Contrary to popular opinion, referees are under intense scrutiny from within the game and are appropriately criticised if it is felt that an incorrect decision has been made.

The referee's technical performance in a match is assessed by the Independent Assessor, and their overall handling of the match is reported on by an Independent Match Delegate, who is often a former player, manager or coach. These reports focus on the referee's control of the match, the way that he deals with key incidents as well as the way he communicates his decisions. These reports are shared with the referees on both a formal and informal basis.

Whilst I cannot comment on the individual incidents you refer to, I hope the above helps to clarify how we are constantly trying to improve and maintain standards of refereeing.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us."
 
have just had another reply from the premier league, I had asked that since the FA overturned the red card, that this must be seen as an admition that the ref was poor and asked if he would be making a statement to Everton to apologise.
this is what I got in reply.

"We appreciate how frustrating it can be when you don't agree with a referee's decision or a mistake is made. As we have explained there are no guarantees that everyone on the pitch will put in a perfect performance every time. We are entirely satisfied that PGMO train and assess referees appropriately, and it should go without saying that they aim to get decisions right on all occasions. We see no benefit in making private assessments public. All games are televised, and so nothing is being hidden.

We have found it hard to think of another profession in which people's every decision is shown live on television, subjected to intense scrutiny from a range of viewing angles, and then discussed on television, radio and in the media by fellow professionals, journalists and the public alike. In this respect they are subject to far more scrutiny than the players on the pitch. In addition to this, as you know, there is a rigorous system of assessment. We understand the need for accountability, which is why such detailed measures are put in place.

We are entirely satisfied with the comprehensive assessment procedures we currently have, and it is appropriate for referees to respond directly to their managers and assessors, and not on an individual basis to each supporter who has a view. Here at the Premier League we respond on referees and Mr Riley's behalf to many queries from supporters. It is a full time role and therefore it does preclude those who referee and manage the process from responding individually. It is vital to us that they continue with their good work in improving the standard of refereeing, and as they are working full-time on this, it simply means that they cannot take on our roles too.

We will not be making a statement."
 
I don't know what people expected them to say really.

They are not going to come out right with the answer the regular joe wants to hear. No business or organisation would do that.

It will all be done behind closed doors and unless something is leaked to the press then just then they may hold an official press conference to put it to bed.

He will most likely be demoted to the championship for a weekend or two and will be back in the prem then. No word to us or the press about it, no admission of poor standards, business as usual
 

I got the same generic reply too from the FA- that doesn't really bother me- I think the fact that the more people complain the more visible the genuine grievance is, is good enough for me, for now.

Would still like to see that prick Atkinson banned though.
 
Got my reply today - as follows.

Dear Dave



Thank you for contacting The Football Association.



As you may be aware, Jack Rodwell has had his claim for wrongful dismissal upheld.


As a result, the three-match suspension handed to him has been withdrawn.


Whilst understanding your frustration as a football fan, every supporter will have an opinion on the game’s major talking points and we’re always interested to hear them. The Football Association receives frequent correspondence on individual refereeing decisions across all levels of football as well as on the performance of referees in general. It is important to understand that without a referee there is no game and as a result the long-term health of football relies on recruiting, retaining and developing referees. Whilst 100% consistency is impossible when human judgment is introduced into a situation, referees get the overwhelmingly majority of decisions right. In fact they are arguably the most consistent people in the game making split-second decisions that will be analysed repeatedly by slow motion cameras and panels of football experts.

There is a system in place for monitoring the performance of referees and referee's assistants. This involves referees assessors and reports from club managers. All assessors come from a footballing background and the majority are fully qualified referees themselves. The performances of referees over a season are then taken into consideration when the leagues appoint their referees for the following season.

The Select Group officiates in the Premier League and is the responsibility of Mike Riley, General Manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). Premier League refereeing enquiries should be addressed to Mike Riley, The Premier League, 30 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8PL or via info@premierleague.com.

We do appreciate all of the feedback we receive from supporters. This feedback is collated and used to build a picture of public opinion and is subsequently fed back internally within the organisation. Please rest assured your comments will form part of this feedback process.



Kind regards



Alex Burkwood | Customer Relations Officer

Customer Relations

The FA Group
Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London, HA9 0WS

Postal address: Wembley Stadium, PO Box 1966, London, SW1P 9EQ

T +44 (0) 844 980 8200 | F+44 (0) 844 980 8201

www.TheFA.com, www.wembleystadium.com
 

We have found it hard to think of another profession in which people's every
decision is shown live on television, subjected to intense scrutiny from a range
of viewing angles, and then discussed on television, radio and in the media by
fellow professionals, journalists and the public alike

Rugby Referrees' get assisted by extra officials so they can make the correct decision. If only someone in the game of football would suggest such measures. Oh, Wait........
 
I wrote to somebody connected to football and this was their reply:

Dear BBC,

You are spot on with all of your observations about Martin Atkinson.
If I ever see him in the street, I will punch him on the nose.

Duncan. F
 
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