AFL boundary umpire Chris Gordon has backed the introduction of video referrals, if it helps match officials make the right decisions. After trialling a video referral system in this year’s NAB Cup, the AFL appear likely to green light the technology for the season proper.
Gordon, who visited St Andrew’s Catholic College as part of the AFL umpire roadshow yesterday, said the game has to find the right balance.
“I think video referral is a good thing as long as it doesn’t get overused,” he said. “We’re out there to back our own judgement at the time, but I think it could be an excellent thing. Things happen so quick in the AFL. Lots of stuff happens in a split second.”
Gordon knows a thing or two about scrutiny after officiating last year’s AFL grand final in front of nearly 100,000 people at the MCG. The 22-year-old said having such an experience was not out of reach for someone from Cairns, who wanted to take up umpiring.
“We want to allow kids to get involved,” he said. “All the awareness is all about playing these days and other parts of the sport, so we’re just trying to promote umpiring a bit more while we’re up here.”
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 15/03/2012 10:03