Referees are set to face the media.
By James Hegarty
September 24 2002
This will allow the referees to know how to treat the press. This happens in England and referees down south reguarly talk about descions made during the game after the match.
Scottish referees have always resisted this option but this now looks set to change.
Donald McVicar had the following to say "We see ourselves as part of the game and we're an important part."I'm not saying that they are going to be available at 10 minutes to five every Saturday, because I don't think that's the right time.
"But there is a willingness to talk and get our message across.
"I'm perhaps accused of taking one step at a time, but I think it's a wise move to make.
"We are moving in that direction and, in the last couple of years, more referees have been interviewed on the television.
"What we have to develop between the referees and the media is trust."
Experienced referee Hugh Dallas had the following to say:
"We are edging closer and closer to it," he said.
"Donald McVicar is now introducing some media training to the referees.
"One or two referees can handle it comfortably, but the majority would probably find it daunting being put in front of a press conference.
"But I know the referees are for it and they're very keen, because we're human, we make mistakes, and we shouldn't hide.
"The referees don't want to hide. They want to come out and say they'll explain their decisions.
"The public have a right to know what's going on in a game."
Maybe now a referee will tell us why they gave away that last minute freekick in a game that caused us 2 points.