He knows his stuff but is more concentrated on the letter of the law rather than promoting a flowing game. A bit of empathy shown equally to both teams on the same areas can allow a game to actually get going. Very stop start compared to some referees , but non the less still one of the best. I imagine him to be the type to read his rule book each night before bedtime & take it on holiday for poolside reading !
I agree with that, I just don't enjoy the games he refs, I actually don't think he is one of the best. He seems to be by the book in terms of the laws of the games, but the games don't flow when he is involved.
I think when I see him on TV and hear what he I said saying I think far more of him. At a live match I find he doesn’t communicate decisions in a way that the crowd can understand. Some refs are much better at that.
I firmly believe that you shouldn't notice a good referee.
Barnes is always controversial and inevitably makes a crucial decision or a call on a technicality, that has everyone scratching their head, shows off his knowledge of the laws but also alters the outcome of the game. The game becomes about him not about the players.
In addition if he is going to talk to players, I am sure Stephen Myler and Dylan Hartley would agree, that he needs to speak clearly - eg "you caaaaan do it
I am told by one of the players they knew Barnes would penalise them in the last period of time at Gloucester but they said let's give it a go any way. Does any club have a lower percentage of wins when he ref's?
Refs in the style of "it's all about me". He wants to be the centre of attention in any game. Still remember the article he wrote pre the "cheatgate" final about the best referees being unnoticed during a game. Fat chance of that with him. Can't stand the bloke as a ref. I'm sure he's nice enough, face to face, like most people, but as a ref? No thanks. When he refs us we lose.
[quote batty]I am told by one of the players they knew Barnes would penalise them in the last period of time at Gloucester but they said let's give it a go any way. Does any club have a lower percentage of wins when he ref's?[/quote
I’m not surprised to hear that. He’s always looking for an offence.
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