GetInTheGame-
I am not going to speak towad fans and coaches.
As for referees... I know here in Charleston, our assignor sticks to his typical routine even for the playoffs. He waits until the morning of the game and then he sends the game requests out to referees. Then, whoever signs up for the game, gets it.
Just think about the top teams in your area playing in the playoffs... and then think that ANY referee in your area would be elegible to ref that game as long as he is the first to reply to the e-mail!!! Meanwhile, your top referees may be at the snack machine and not able to reply before three of the worst referees in your area respond.
As for pay... I think coaches would be willing to spend a little extra to get better refs. Ask any coach that question.
I would be willing to put forth more soccer budget money to ensure referees like Howard Ash, Fred Hughes and Darren Sweet would be refing our playoff games. These guys are definitely three of the best referees in the Charleston area!! Also, I would put these guys up for the "Referee of the Year" award in the State. They are consistent, fair and apply the rules accordingly-- everything we as coaches want out of referees... why should we not reward quality referees??
