as a coach, player and ref....i have hated players, refs and coaches in my day.
In reference to having a ref research the team they are coaching, i think it depends on the level of the match. If the game is high leve, then yes the ref should know more about the type of game each plays so he can be prepared for the pace of the match. I do not think the refs should build opinions of players based on the research though, as that could lead into prejiduce in his decisions during the match.
